• High winds keep firefighters busy all weekend

The National Weather Service expanded and extended high wind and surf warnings as strong, gusty tradewinds continue to blow over the islands.

The winds are also blowing rain clouds over windward and mauka areas that could reach leeward areas and wintery icy conditions on the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.

The summit of Haleakala and the Kohala area on the Big Island are under a wind warning until 6 p.m. Monday.

The rest of the state is under a wind advisory until 6 p.m. tonight. The warning includes Nanakuli, Makaha, Haleiwa, Waialua, Kahuku, Punaluu, Laie, Mililani, Wahiawa, Pearl City and Makakilo.

Winds of 25 to 40 mph, with gusts of 60 mph are expected to continue until about 6 p.m. tonight in Kohala and until noon on Haleakala.

“Motorists should use extra caution. Outdoor Christmas decorations should be secured as well as lawn furniture and trash cans,” forecasters said.

The winds are also kicking up surf of 10 to 15 feet on east shores, prompting a high surf warning until 6 p.m. Monday.

“Expect ocean water surging and sweeping across beaches … creating the potential for impacts to coastal properties and infrastructure, including roadways. Powerful rip currents will be present at most beaches,” the weather service said.

Gale warnings and small craft advisories are also in effect for mariners in waters and channels around the state.

Icy conditions on the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa also prompted a winter weather advisory until 6 p.m. Monday.

Forecasters said freezing rain and black ice are creating hazardous driving conditions. Snow and sleet could also fall overnight.

The winds are also likely to bring more tradewind showers to windward and mauka areas that will blow over to leeward areas.

Some of the rain, especially over the Big Island and Maui, could be heavy with a slight chance of thunderstorms.

The forecast for Honolulu and south shores of Oahu calls for a 50 percent chance of rain through Tuesday.

“In summary, we can expect a windy and rather wet trade wind weather pattern for the next couple of days, with less wind and fewer showers for the second part of the week, including Christmas day,” forecasters said.