Forecasters caution mariners of strong winds off leeward coast

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A line of showers capable of producing strong winds in an area stretching from South Kohala to North Kona has prompted a special marine warning from National Weather Service forecasters based in Honolulu. The warning affects the island’s leeward waters, including the Alenuihaha Channel.

A line of showers capable of producing strong winds in an area stretching from South Kohala to North Kona has prompted a special marine warning from National Weather Service forecasters based in Honolulu. The warning affects the island’s leeward waters, including the Alenuihaha Channel.

At 9:13 a.m., radar showed a line of showers capable of producing strong winds of 25 knots — or 29 mph — or greater from Kawaihae Harbor to about 43 miles west of FAD buoy F, which is located in waters north of Kailua-Kona. The line of showers was moving east at 10 knots or 11 mph.

Boaters, especially those under sail, should seek safe harbor immediately until the high winds subside, according to forecasters.