The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued several wind advisories for four western states that will impact residents today and this weekend.

Why It Matters

The NWS warned that strong winds can worsen road conditions by making it harder to steer. Strong winds can also knock down tree branches and move tents and awnings.

What To Know

Forecasters predict strong winds in Hawaii, Washington State, Montana and California with gusts as high as 65 mph.

Hawaii

A wind advisory is in effect in parts of the Hawaiian islands of Kahoolawe, Lanai, Maui and Molokai until 12 p.m. HST on Friday. Southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph are forecast. Wind gusts could reach 50 mph.

Here is a list of the affected areas:

• Lanai Mauka
• Kahoolawe
• Maui Windward West
• Maui Leeward West
• Molokai Windward
• Molokai Southeast
• Molokai North
• Molokai West
• Molokai Leeward South
• Lanai Windward
• Lanai Leeward
• Lanai South
• Maui Central Valley North
• Maui Central Valley South
• Windward Haleakala
• Kipahulu
• South Maui/Upcountry
• South Haleakala

“Winds this 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,” the NWS’ advisory said.

Montana

A wind advisory is in effect for the Livingston area and Beartooth foothills until 9 p.m. MST on Saturday. Southwest winds of 30 to 40 mph are forecast. Wind gusts could reach 65 mph.

Here is a list of the affected areas:

• Livingston
• McLeod
• Fishtail
• Dean
• Limestone
• Nye

“Strong crosswinds will make travel difficult along Interstate 90 from Livingston to Big Timber and roads along the Beartooth Foothills,” the NWS warned in its advisory.

Washington State

The Admiralty Inlet area, including the city of Port Townsend, in Washington State will be under a wind advisory from 6 p.m. PST on Friday to 1 a.m. PST on Saturday, according to the NWS. There will be west winds of 20 to 30 mph. Wind gusts could reach 50 mph.

“Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result,” the NWS’ advisory said.

California

The NWS issued several wind advisories for California, including one currently in effect until 4 p.m. PST on Friday. The advisory, which includes the community of Kneeland, warns of south-southeast winds of 25 to 35 mph. Wind gusts could reach 50 mph.

Here is a list of the affected areas:

• Del Norte Interior
• Southwestern Humboldt
• Northern Humboldt Interior
• Southern Humboldt Interior

“Wind gusts will be particularly strong along windward ridges and exposed coastal headlands,” the NWS warned in its advisory.

Another wind advisory was issued for the Eastern and Western Mojave Desert. The advisory will take effect at 10 a.m. PST on Friday and last until 10 p.m. PST on Saturday. There will be southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph. Wind gusts could reach 45 mph.

Here is a list of the affected areas:

• Mitchell Caverns
• Fort Irwin
• Daggett
• Baker
• Mountain Pass
• Barstow

“Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects,” warned the NWS advisory.

The NWS also pushed out a wind advisory for the Eastern Sierra Slopes and Owens Valley to start at 4 a.m. PST on Saturday and end at 10 p.m. PST on Sunday. There will be west winds of 25 to 35 mph. Forecasters also predict occasional downslope wind gusts up to 50 mph in the Owens Valley near the Sierra foothills. Wind gusts could also reach 65 mph near the Sierra ridgetops.

Here is a list of the affected areas:

• Lone Pine
• Aspendell
• Bishop
• Whitney Portal
• Independence
• Olancha

“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result,” said the NWS advisory. “Sudden downslope winds may create periods of strong crosswinds on sections of Highway 395 near the Sierra foothills.”

Sequoia National Park and the South End of the Upper Sierra will also be under a wind advisory from 4 a.m. PST on Saturday to 10 a.m. PST on Sunday. There will be west winds of 15 to 25 mph. Wind gusts could reach 50 mph.

Here is a list of the affected areas:

• Lodgepole
• Giant Forest
• Johnsondale

“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result,” the NWS warned.

What Is A Windy Advisory?

The NWS issues windy advisories when strong winds are occurring but they are not so intense as to warrant a high wind warning.

What People Are Saying

The National Weather Service (NWS) said in its Montana wind advisory, “Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution and consider postponing travel until winds subside, or take an alternate route.”

The weather service also warned in several of its wind advisories to “secure outdoor objects.”

What Happens Next

Impacted residents can check local weather forecasts for the latest information on their areas. The NWS issues regular updates on its website.