Strong trade winds, with gusts of up to 50 mph, are expected to blow across Oahu,  and Kauai and Maui counties, prompting a high wind advisory through Monday morning.

National Weather Service forecasters said a strong high pressure system northwest of the islands and a low pressure system southwest of the islands will create the high winds.

The winds, blowing at 30 to 35 mph, with localized gusts, are expected to peak this afternoon and evening and will slowly diminish until about 6 a.m. Monday.

Winds this strong can bring down tree branches and  make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles, forecasters said.

Winds will be strongest near ridges exposed to the northeast winds and across leeward sections downwind of steep terrain.