The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a flash flood advisory through 6 p.m. for areas of North Kona, North Kohala and South Kohala.
At 2:54 p.m., radar showed an area of heavy rain near the Saddle Road and Mamalahoa Highway junction, in South Kohala, according to the service. The heavy rain, about 28 miles northeast of Kailua-Kona, was nearly stationary.
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. The service noted the advisory could be extended beyond 6 p.m.
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.