The National Weather Service extended and expanded a high wind advisory to include most of the state until 6 p.m. tonight.

Northeast winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph are expected through the afternoon, forecasters said.

“Motorists, especially those in high profile vehicles are urged to drive with extreme caution,” the weather service advised.

Lanai, Kahoolawe and parts of the Big Island can expect winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts to 55 mph.

The strong tradewinds are expected to continue for the next few days and decrease to moderate levels this weekend. Light and variable winds could come Monday, along with a return of vog and humid Kona weather conditions, ahead of a cold front which could bring increased showers on Tuesday.

The winds could also bring in some tradewind shower to windward and mauka areas that could blow over the mountains to leeward areas of most islands.

Strong winds and rains associated with a cold front that passed through the state Tuesday and Wednesday toppled trees and caused power outages on Oahu.

Maui County released photos today of storm damage at the Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing office at the Maui Mall in Kahului. The photos show plastic sheeting covering computers and desks and more plastic sheeting apparently placed to catch water from open ceiling tiles.

The county said on its website that “due to the severity of the flood damage and electrical repairs that need to be made, there is currently no time estimate as to when the Kahului service center will open.”

Customers are encouraged to use satellite office locations to renew drivers licenses, register vehicles and conduct other business.

Although it’s cooled off the last few days, Hilo did not share in the cool, windy conditions earlier in the week. The town set a high temperature record for the date on Tuesday. The record temperature of 90 degrees broke the old record of 87 set in 2005.