4 p.m. UPDATE

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for the Kohala districts of Hawaii island, effective until 6 p.m. Wednesday.

East winds of 30 to 45 mph, with localized gusts over 60 mph, are expected in these isolated pockets, according to forecasters.

“Damaging winds may blow down trees and power lines and damage roofs,” the NWS warned. “Power outages are possible..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 wind advisory still remains in place for portions of other isles, including Kauai, Oahu, Maui County, and Hawaii island, through 6 p.m. Wednesday.

East winds of 25 to 30 mph, with localized gusts over 50 mph, are expected for these areas — from southwest Kauai to upcountry Maui and the southeast side of Hawaii island.

A high surf warning, meanwhile, has replaced the high surf advisory for the east-facing shores of most isles, effective through 6 a.m. Thursday.

Surf of 10 to 15 feet is expected along the east shores of Kauai, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, and Hawaii island.

Forecasters say rough conditions are expected to continue along exposed east shores through the week. A slight increase in wind speeds will increase surf heights to the low-end warning level through Wednesday nigh, before decreasing slowly on Thursday.

“Expect very strong breaking waves and powerful currents,” officials warned. “Waves breaking in channel entrances may make navigating the channels dangerous. Stay away from the shoreline along the affected coasts. Be prepared for road closures. Postpone entering or leaving channels affected by the high surf until the surf subsides.”

EARLIER TODAY

The high surf advisory for the east-facing shores of most isles has been extended through 6 p.m. Thursday.

The National Weather Service said rough conditions will continue along exposed east shores of Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii island, through the week due to strong tradewinds.

Surf of 8 to 12 feet today is expected to build to 10 to 14 feet on Wednesday along these shores.

Besides strong, breaking waves, officials warn of strong currents, which will make swimming dangerous.

Forecasters also extended the wind advisory for most isles to 6 p.m. Wednesday.

East winds of 25 to 30 mph, with localized gusts over 50 mph, are expected in portions of Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Molokai, Kahoolawe, and Hawaii island, including windward and leeward sides, central valleys and mountains.

“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,” according to the advisory. “Watch out for falling tree branches when walking or driving. Make sure tents and awnings are secure or take them down. Be prepared for power outages.”

Forecasters said a strong high-pressure system north of the Hawaiian islands will keep windy trades in place into Thursday before possibly trending lower from Friday to Saturday.

More rain, however, is on the way, as a cold front Monday sweeps from west to east across the island chain, producing widespread showers.