Strong northeast winds, significant north swell possible on Thanksgiving

You might want to reconsider any outdoor Thanksgiving Day plans as the National Weather Service in Honolulu says there is a good chance an ill wind blowing across the state.

A cold front is forecast to move quickly down the island chain Wednesday night and on Thanksgiving Day, bringing a brief period of showers. More significantly, strong northeast winds are expected to develop after the front passes, potentially resulting in a period of very windy conditions.

“Forecast confidence is high that most areas around the state will be impacted by these winds,” the National Weather Service said in a special weather statement. “You may want to consider moving any planned outdoor Thanksgiving events to indoors, as well as postponing hanging any outdoor holiday decorations, which may become damaged or airborne with the strong winds.”

A powerful low pressure system passing north of the area will also generate a large north swell that will build Wednesday night, with the peak potentially coinciding with extreme high tides Thursday and Friday mornings.

“We are urging the public to be vigilant during these potentially hazardous weather events,” said Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency Administrator Elton Ushio. “If you have any outdoor plans scheduled on Thanksgiving, consider celebrating indoors, with appropriate COVID-19 safety considerations. Additionally, we highly recommend storing or securing any loose objects exposed to outdoor winds before the onset of windy conditions.”

Homeowners, beachgoers and boaters should prepare for the potential of significant wave runup along exposed north-facing shores. Swimming and other water activities are not recommended during hazardous ocean conditions.

For up-to-date information about Kaua‘i ocean conditions and safety, speak to a County lifeguard at any lifeguard station, click here or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.

For weather updates, call the National Weather Service automated weather line at 808-245-6001, or visit the NWS website.

To sign up for the Wireless Emergency Notification System, the County’s emergency notification service, go to the county’s website and click on “Sign up for Emergency Notifications.” You can also call the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.