A flood advisory has been issued for areas of the Big Island until 5:15 p.m. Saturday, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu. A flash flood watch is also in effect.
At 2:16 p.m., radar showed heavy rain and thunderstorms over the slopes from Glenwood to Pohakuloa Training Area, between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, according to forecasters. Radar also showed areas of heavy rain near Waikii and the lower slopes of the Puna District. Rain is falling at rates up to 2 inches per hour.
Other locations in the advisory include but are not limited to the Mauna Kea summit, Pepeeko, Papaikou, Volcano, Paauilo, Ookala, Laupahoehoe, Keaau, Honomu, Honokaa, Hawaiian Paradise Park and Hakalau, according to forecasters.
The public is advised to stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low-lying areas prone to flooding. Rainfall and runoff will cause hazardous driving conditions because of ponding, reduced visibility and poor braking action.
If the heavy rain persists, the advisory may be extended beyond 5:15 p.m. Saturday, forecasters say.