HAWAII ISLAND – Locally strong trade winds for areas of Maui county and the Big Island have prompted the National Weather Service to issue a wind advisory until 6 p.m. Monday.

Northeast winds of 20 to 35 mph are expected, with gusts over 50 mph. These strong winds may “break small tree branches and cause localized power outages,” forecasters say. “Driving high profile vehicles may become difficult.”

Forecasters say high pressure northwest of the islands will drive strong trade winds across Maui County and the Big Island today through Monday. The strongest winds will occur over ridge lines and downwind of steep terrain. Areas most affected will be the higher terrain of Lanai, and over the Kohala Mountains on the Big Island.