Hawaii warned doors will be “difficult to open” amid strong winds

A wind advisory in place for parts of the Big Island is warning people in the area that doors might be “difficult to open” amid strong winds blowing through the area on Thursday, and a meteorologist told Newsweek what’s to come.

Why It Matters

Hawaii often withstands stronger winds and dangerous waves during the winter months. At times, the weather can prompt meteorologists to issue advisories or warnings because of the expected impacts to the population.

What to Know

Early Thursday morning, the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Honolulu issued a wind advisory for the Big Island summits. The advisory warned that west-to-northwest winds would blow from 40 to 55 mph, with gusts reaching 65 mph, which is equivalent to tropical storm strength.

According to the advisory, “winds this strong can make it difficult to open and close doors. In addition driving will be difficult, especially for drivers of high profile vehicles.”

In addition to the wind advisory, a high surf advisory was in place for east-facing shores that warned of dangerous breaking waves that could make swimming and surfing dangerous. A marine weather statement advised mariners to be aware while entering or leaving port, because of a “medium-period northeast swell will produce light to moderate surges in north facing harbors.”

The strong winds come roughly a week after a rare winter storm hit Hawaii. The storm brought heavy rainfall across the islands that prompted flood-related weather alerts.

Strong winds also are plaguing other U.S. states as of Thursday, including California, as an atmospheric river approaches the Golden State. Strong winds also were reported in the Great Lakes region behind a winter storm that brought significant ice to several states.

What People Are Saying

NWS meteorologist Tina Stall told Newsweek that there doesn’t look to be any further threat for winds in the immediate forecast after this advisory expires.

NWS Honolulu in a wind advisory: “Consider postponing travel to the summits until conditions improve. If you must travel to the summits, use extra caution walking and driving. Be careful opening or closing doors.”

The advisory added: “Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.”

What Happens Next

The wind advisory is set to expire by 6 p.m. local time Thursday evening. Over the next two weeks, Hawaii is expecting a high chance of above-average temperatures, and also a chance at above-average precipitation for this time of year, according to the NWS Climate Prediction Center eight- to 14-day outlooks.