Yep.
I don't even plan on riding ENE or NE at the Skyway until 1.5 hours before dark.
It's also common for it to go straight from 12 knots or so to 20 (or 25) plus in as little as 30 seconds. That didn't happen last night, but commonly does.
That can be a real problem for guys that just rigged and are riding their biggest kites.