UPDATE: SATURDAY 8 a.m.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu said this morning that the wind advisory for all Hawaiian islands remains in effect until 6 p.m.

Forecasters predict east winds of 30 mph, with gusts as high as 50 mph.

“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,” they said in the advisory. “Watch out for falling tree branches when walking or driving. Consider postponing hiking trips in the mountains, where winds may be especially gusty. Make sure tents and awnings are secure or take them down. Be prepared for power outages.”

The high winds are also creating choppy ocean conditions.

A high surf advisory for east shores of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui and Hawaii island is in effect until 6 a.m. Sunday, the weather service said. East shores continue to see rough surf “as the strong trade wind generated seas continue to impact the islands,” forecasters said.

Surf from 8 to 12 feet along east-facing shores is predicted and strong breaking waves and currents will make swimming dangerous,” they said.

A small craft advisory for waters surrounding the islands is in effect until 6 a.m. Sunday, and a gale warning covers waters near the Big Island until 6 p.m. today. The warning includes Maalaea Bay, Pailolo Channel, Alenuihaha Channel, Big Island leeward and southeast waters. Those areas will see northeast winds up to 35 knots and seas of 8 to 13 feet, the weather service said..

FRIDAY 3:15 p.m.

The high wind warning for Kohala has been canceled.

A wind advisory for portions of all Hawaii isles, however, has now been extended to 6 p.m. Saturday.

East winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts over 50 mph, are expected in portions of Kahoolawe, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, and Hawaii island.

EARLIER COVERAGE

A wind advisory for portions of all Hawaiian isles has been extended through 6 p.m. today.

The National Weather Service says a strong high-pressure system to the north, combined with other forces, is producing strong and gusty tradewinds.

Forecasters expect east winds of 20 to 35 mph, with gusts over 50 mph, to continue through this afternoon and possibly into Saturday.

“Winds will be strongest through mountain saddles, over ridges and downslope of mountains,” said NWS. “Some areas particularly prone to these gusty winds will be the Waimea and Kohala areas of the Big Island, West Maui and the higher elevations of Lanai.”

A high wind warning, meanwhile, has been issued for leeward Kohala on Hawaii island, effective until 6 p.m. today.

East winds of 20 to 40 mph, with localized gusts over 60 mph are expected there.

“Strong winds may lead to property damage,” said the warning. “Hazardous driving conditions due to powerful cross winds will pose a serious risk for drivers, especially for lightweight and high profile vehicles. Loose outdoor items should be brought inside or secured properly.”

A high surf advisory for the east-facing shores of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui and Hawaii island has also been extended until 6 p.m. Saturday.

Surf of 8 to 12 feet is expected along these shores due to large and rough waves generated by strong trades.

The public should beware of strong, breaking waves and currents, which will make swimming dangerous.