Leeward portions of Kauaʻi no longer under red flag warning; wind advisory also canceled

Updated at 9 p.m. Aug. 9: The red flag warning that had been in place for leeward areas of Kauaʻi has been canceled.

The National Weather Service forecast office in Honolulu says trade winds are decreasing and humidity levels are recovering this evening.

The wind advisory for south and southwest portions of the island also was canceled as winds have dropped below advisory thresholds

Updated at 4:04 p.m. Aug. 9: A red flag warning that was previously in effect for leeward portions of Kauaʻi has been extended until 6 a.m. Thursday.

According to the National Weather Service forecast office in Honolulu, very dry conditions combined with strong and gusty easterly winds and low humidity are expected to continue to produce critical fire weather conditions through late this evening.

Conditions are expected to improve late tonight as humidity increases and winds continue to decrease.

Locations in the warning areas can expect east winds at 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph, and humidity to range from 40% to 45% through this evening. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.

Outdoor burning is not recommended.

A red flag warning means critical fire weather conditions are occurring now or will shortly. The warning, however, does not predict new fire starts.

The National Weather Service also extended a wind advisory in effect for south and southwest portions of the island until 6 a.m. Thursday. Locations in the advisory areas can expect east-northeast winds from 25 to 35 mph, with gusts around 50 mph.

Winds that strong can tear off shingles, knock down tree branches, blow away tents and awnings and make it difficult to steer, especially for drivers of high-profile vehicles.

Weather officials advise the public to watch out for falling tree branches when walking or driving, make sure tents and awnings are secure or taken down and be prepared for power outages.

Wind speeds will continue to trend lower tonight and tomorrow as the high pressure center north of the Hawaiian Islands and Hurricane Dora, currently south of the state, continue to move westward.

However, winds remain elevated enough to warrant keeping the advisory in effect through tonight.

The Kaua‘i Fire Department urges residents and visitors to remain vigilant to prevent fires.

“As we continue to pray for our brothers and sisters on Maui, we urge residents and visitors to remain vigilant and be prepared as the red flag warning and wind advisory remain in effect through this evening,” said Kaua‘i Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson.

The Kaua‘i Fire Department is advising the following to prevent fires:

• Refrain from ALL outdoor burning, including cooking.

• Avoid the use of mechanized equipment outdoors, including the use of yardwork equipment.

• Be aware of wind direction and gusts that could spread fire rapidly.

• Have an escape route to a clear area safe from rapid-fire spread.

• Report any possible fires, including signs of smoke or flames, by calling Kaua‘i Police Department dispatch at 808-241-1711.

“The County of Kaua‘i and the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency are in contact with Maui officials and are preparing to deploy resources as needed,” said Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency Administrator Elton Ushio.

A high surf advisory that was in effect for east-facing shores of the island was canceled. The National Weather Service said surf has dropped below advisory thresholds.

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

To sign up for the County’s emergency notification service, visit the County’s website or call the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.

For more information about fire safety, contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 808-241-4985.

Original story from Aug. 8: The National Weather Service has extended a Red Flag Warning for leeward areas of Kauaʻi until 6 p.m. on Wednesday due to strong winds and low humidity caused by Hurricane Dora.

Although the Category 4 storm is passing more than 500 miles south of the Hawaiian Islands, it is affecting the weather.

Very dry fuels combined with strong easterly winds of 30 to 35 mph, with gust up to 60 mph, and low humidity from 35 to 45% are producing critical fire weather conditions.

Outdoor burning should be avoided.