Wind gusts of up to 50 mph blew through the Islands yesterday, causing minor property damage and knocking out power to several areas on O'ahu.

The cold front that brought the strong winds was expected to move past the state late yesterday and calmer weather is expected through the weekend, said Tom Birchard, National Weather Service forecaster. A high-wind advisory for all islands was expected to be canceled last night, he said.

But Birchard said the nice weather is likely to change by the start of next week.

"We're looking at pretty typical trade wind weather into the weekend, but late on Sunday and into Monday there's some potential for increased showers," he said.

The high surf also was expected to peak on the north and west shores last night and diminish today. But Birchard said the swells should start to build late tomorrow and be at the high-surf-advisory level by tomorrow night.

Yesterday's gusty winds damaged roofs of homes in Kaimuki and Waipahu. There were no reports on the extent of the damage.

The winds also are being blamed for four power outages on O'ahu.

Hawaiian Electric spokesman Jose Dizon said a tree blew into a line in Waialua yesterday morning and knocked out electricity for about an hour. Shorter outages also were reported in Wailupe, Waimanalo and the stretch of highway between the Pali tunnels and Castle Medical Center, Dizon said.

Birchard said wind gusts of nearly 50 mph were reported at Makua Ridge on O'ahu and in Kona on the Big Island.

State officials on the Big Island closed the Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area yesterday because of the bad weather. The recreation area will remain closed until further notice.

Hawaii Electric Light Company reported several brief power outages. The largest happened at 3:43 p.m. when trees were blown into a transmission line in the Pohoiki area, knocking out power to about 22,500 customers for 15 minutes.

On O'ahu, the city closed the Kokohead Botanical Garden yesterday because of the high winds. The garden may reopen today, weather permitting.

Reach Curtis Lum at culum@honoluluadvertiser.com.