The big waves along the Islands' northern shores are expected to peak with up to 30-foot faces this morning. But surfing enthusiasts shouldn't expect the ideal, turquoise curls that are more typical of the winter's northern swells.

Warning signs were posted yesterday along O'ahu's North Shore, where lifeguards at Waimea Bay said they had to make about five rescues during the day.

As the remnants of a cold front moved into the region, it brought rain, high winds and gloomy overcast skies.

"With the gusty north trade winds, it'll be kind of blown-out. It won't be the glassy breakers that you normally see on the North Shore with a big swell like this. It'll be choppy and chaotic — stormy kind of surf," said Robert Ballard, forecaster with the National Weather Service.

The weather service has issued a high-surf warning for all northern shores on the Islands. Surges also are likely for the Kahului and Hilo harbors.

Wave faces up to 14 feet are expected on the state's eastern-facing shores today from the swell that the service said is being generated by a large storm off Alaska.

Winds sweeping across the state are expected to be at about 15 mph to 25 mph, with gusts at 35 mph. Known as a "shearline," the weather system is typical for this time of year and the first of the season, Ballard said.

Flooding isn't expected with the rain, and skies should start clearing up today.