The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended a flash flood advisory through 9 p.m. for areas of North Kona, North Kohala and South Kohala.
At 6:42 p.m., radar showed heavy rain over parts of the leeward slopes of the Big Island, according the service. The heaviest rain is currently over leeward slopes of Kohala Mountain, northwest of Waimea.
The heavy rain may impact areas along the Big Island’s leeward coast from Upolu Point, in North Kohala, through Puuanahulu to Kailua-Kona, according to the service. Other areas included in the advisory: Waikoloa Village, Waikoloa Beach Resort, Waikii, Saddle Road, Puako, and Kawaihae.
Residents are advised to stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low-lying areas.
Motorists are advised to use caution while driving because rainfall and runoff can cause hazardous driving conditions like reduced visibility and poor braking action. Police have advised of runoff and ponding between mile markers 47 and 49 on Saddle Road. Water is also ponding near the Saddle Road and Mamalahoa Highway intersection.