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County braces for high winds, surf through today

The Maui News

A wind advisory and high surf warning are in effect for Maui County through 6 p.m. today, according to the National Weather Service.

Strong winds are expected for all parts of Maui County through New Year’s Day due to a high passing north of the area, the weather service said. Northeast winds of 15 to 30 mph with localized gusts over 55 mph are expected.

Winds this strong can topple trees and cause power outages. The most powerful gusts will occur where winds blow over ridges and accelerate downslope.

Residents are advised to be prepared for power outages. They should also avoid walking under overhanging tree limbs and be careful when using fireworks.

The high surf warning, meanwhile, covers the north- and west-facing shores of Molokai and north-facing shores of Maui.

A large northwest swell was expected to move down the island chain Thursday into the evening, resulting in surf well above warning thresholds by sunset on New Year’s Eve, the warning said. The swell should steadily decline today through Saturday but could cause minor coastal flooding within low-lying areas during the New Year’s morning high tide.

Surf of 20 to 25 feet was expected to reach 30 to 40 feet Thursday afternoon and night along north-facing shores, with waves of 14 to 20 feet rising to 18 to 25 feet along west-facing shores.

Conditions could cause ocean water to occasionally sweep across portions of beaches, very strong breaking waves and strong longshore and rip currents. Breaking waves may occasionally impact harbors, making navigating the harbor channels dangerous.

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