HONOLULU -- The National Weather Service has forecasted rain to drop over the islands through the Christmas holiday and into next week.

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The rains are associated with a large low-pressure system to the north. The system is bringing rain. Forecasters say that the system is bringing unstable weather.

Residents and motorists got a taste of the rains Tuesday morning. There were pockets of heavy downpours that slowed down traffic during the morning rush hour.

A high-surf warning is in effect for the north- and west-facing shores of Oahu and Kauai. The alert is also in effect for all west-facing shores except Molokai; a high-surf advisory is in place for the north shores of Molokai and Maui.

High surf is also pounding the state's north and west shores. Waves up to 25 feet have been recorded Tuesday morning. The waves are predicted to reach at least 35 feet by Tuesday afternoon.

Surf is expected to remain high through Thursday night.