A flash flood watch and gale warning are in effect for various isles in Hawaii today and Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. Heavy snow is occurring on Hawaii island summits and a winter storm warning was issued this afternoon.

The flash flood watch is in effect for Maui and Hawaii island from this evening through Tuesday afternoon, with periods of heavy rain at times and a chance of thunderstorms, meaning conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding.

A high surf advisory is in effect for east facing shores of the main Hawaiian isles stretching from Niihau to Hawaii island until 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Rough seas generated by strong trade winds will continue to bring advisory level surf to east-facing shores through Tuesday. Surf is expected to reach 6 to 10 feet.

A small craft advisory is also in effect for the leeward and windward sides of Kauai, Maui, Oahu and Hawaii island, in addition to southeast waters of Hawaii island, until 6 p.m. tomorrow.

The winter storm warning is in effect until 6 p.m. Tuesday for Hawaii island summits. Accumulations of snow between four to eight inches is expected and rain may also mix with the snow in between bursts of heavier snow showers. A winter storm warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions are occurring. Strong winds are possible and travel may be very hazardous or impossible.

A ridge of high pressure will maintain breezy trades over the next few days, according to the Weather Service, while deep moisture near Maui and the Big Island will crawl northward this week, maintaining very wet trades, especially for the southern main islands.

An even stronger trough is expected to develop near the state later in the week, bringing the possibility of stormy weather to all islands.