By Hawaii 24/7 Staff

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended until 6 p.m. Sunday (Jan 6) the wind advisory for the towns of Kailua-Kona, Milolii, South Point, Pahala, Hilo, Volcano, Honokaa, Waimea, Waikoloa, Bradshaw Field and Saddle Road above 5,000 feet.

Winds from the East are blowing at 20-40 mph with localized gusts as high as 50 mph. A high pressure system Northeast of the state has caused the strong winds.

Winds this strong can make driving difficult especially for high profile vehicles.

The strong winds can also send trees, branches and other objects into roadways, power lines and/or equipment. Hawaii Electric Light Company (HELCO) reminds people that if you see a downed power line you should stay as far away as possible and report any damage or outages to their dispatch center at (808) 969-6666.

A gale warning is in effect until 6 a.m. Sunday (Jan 6) for the Pailolo and Alenuihaha Channels, Big Island Leeward and Southeast waters.

A small craft advisory is in effect until 6 a.m. Sunday (Jan 6) for all other coastal waters.

A high surf advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m. Sunday (Jan 6) for East facing shores of the Big Island.

Rough and choppy surf is forecast to be seven to 10 feet in height through the weekend. Beach and oceangoers can expect strong breaking waves, shore breaks strong longshore and rip currents making swimming difficult and dangerous.

Beachgoers, swimmers and surfers should heed the advice given by ocean safety officials and exercise caution. Know your limits and when in doubt, don’t go out.

Mauna Kea acess road above the Visitor Information Station was closed earlier due to ice on roadways along with fog and light rain making for poor visibility. The access road was reported to be open at 10:25 a.m.

Mauna Kea summit roadway at 6:40 a.m. Saturday (Jan 5). Image courtesy of UH-Hilo.