"Record-Breaking Swell Hits Hawaii, Surfers Brave Massive Waves"

The active El Nino pattern has resulted in massive swells and surf as high as 50 feet in Hawaii, attracting surfers and causing coastal flooding. Forecasters predicted waves between 20-30 feet, but heights likely reached much higher. El Nino tends to produce larger-than-normal surf in the North Pacific, particularly in Hawaii and California. The National Weather Service issued High Surf warnings and advisories, cautioning about strong breaking waves and powerful currents. Unfortunately, a swimmer from California disappeared during the rough surf, and search operations have been suspended. Wave heights are expected to decrease by Tuesday.