Forecast: Waves, winds to build to dangerous levels

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A short period of quiet weather will be over most of the islands through the afternoon Friday, with strong winds picking up Friday evening into the weekend. Mostly clear to partly cloudy skies with isolated showers are also expected for most of the day.

Starting Friday night, the potential for severe weather will increase as a potent low pressure system moves toward the islands from the north. This system is forecast to send a powerful swell to north and west shores, with the possibility of significant coastal flooding that could lead to damage to property or infrastructure. The National Weather service has already issued a high surf warning for north and west shores. North shores will rise to 20 to 30 feet Friday, 25 to 35 feet Saturday, and 40 to 60 feet Sunday. West shores could potentially rise to 30 to 40 feet by Sunday.

The low will also bring strong and potentially damaging winds from the north-northwest at sustained speeds of up to 25 to 30 miles per hour with localized gusts near 60 miles per hour. Strongest winds are expected late Saturday into Sunday and Monday.

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