Hold on to grandma, it's going to be a windy weekend.

The National Weather Service yesterday issued a wind advisory for most of the state through 6 p.m. today. Northerly trade winds of 30 to 35 mph, with gusts to 50 mph, could occur, said Tom Birchard, lead forecaster.

Birchard said a "very strong" high-pressure system far north of the Islands, coupled with a low-pressure system to the northeast, are bringing the strong winds. He said the trades may die down enough to cancel the advisory, but people may not notice the difference.

"It's going to remain breezy all the way until middle of the coming week," Birchard said. "It looks like it will peak now and maybe again early next week around Tuesday. The strong trade winds aren't going to go anywhere anytime soon."

Birchard said the highest wind speeds may occur where the wind blows through valleys, over ridges, around headlands and downslope on the leeward sides of the Islands. Strong gusts could cause power outages or knock down trees, he said.

The strong winds prompted the city parks department to close Bellows Beach Park in Waimanalo this weekend as a precaution. Waimanalo Beach Park will remain open.

The NWS also issued a gale warning for the 'Alenuihaha Channel through 6 p.m. today and a small craft advisory for the entire state until 6 a.m. Monday. A high surf advisory also is in effect for east-facing shores, with surf heights of 6 to 8 feet expected.