Strong winds will continue through Sunday afternoon and produce powerful gusts reaching 65 mph, the National Weather Service said.

Northeasterly winds of 30 to 45 mph accompanying a weak front moving through the island chain prompted weather officials to issue a high wind warning for the islands until 6 p.m. Sunday. The winds will accelerate down leeward mountain slopes, over ridges and through mountain passes, producing powerful gusts, the agency said.

The winds prompted officials to close the Hawaii Kai Community Carnival on Saturday.

Donna Smith, vice president of E.K. Fernandez Shows, said the company closed the carnival at 4 p.m. because gusts of 50 to 55 mph were expected around 6 p.m.

In the interest of safety, officials decided it would be better to close the carnival and give the workers a couple of hours to batten down the large tents, Smith said. She said the concern was not with the rides, which can withstand winds stronger than 55 mph.

The carnival will reopen as scheduled at noon Sunday.

The city Department of Emergency Management advised residents to trim dead wood and weak/overhanging branches from trees, secure lawn furniture and trash cans, and prepare a kit with flashlight and battery-powered radio.

In coastal waters, a gale force warning remained in effect through at least 6 a.m. Monday, with winds topping 40 mph.