High surf expected along isles’ north and west shores

A high-surf warning remains in effect through 6 p.m. Monday for north- and west-facing shores of Oahu, Kauai, Molokai and Niihau and along the north shore of Maui as a northwest swell continues to build across the Hawaiian island chain.

A high-surf advisory is also in effect for the western shores of Hawaii island through 6 p.m. Monday.

The National Weather Service predicts "extra large" surf along exposed north- and west-facing shores and the swell reaches its peak today.

Waves were expected to reach 22 feet on Saturday night and up to 35 feet today along north-facing shores.

Along west-facing shores, waves were expected to reach 14 to 18 feet overnight and up to 25 feet today.

The weather service warns that large-breaking waves will cause hazardous conditions in the surf zone, including life-threatening rip currents. Localized coastal flooding and beach erosion are also expected, especially during high tide.

The weather service also issued a small craft advisory for Hawaiian coastal waters within 40 nautical miles, including the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. The advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. Monday. A northwest swell of 14 feet is expected today in the channels.

A light east-to-southeast flow with a local land and sea breeze pattern is expected through Monday, bringing afternoon and early evening clouds and light showers to interior sections of the islands, according to the weather service.

A plume of moisture was also predicted to move across Hawaii island today.

The weather service reported that a weak front will reach the islands late Monday and tradewinds will quickly strengthen on Kauai and Oahu, bringing with them a modest increase in showers.