A flash flood watch is in effect for Hawaii Island through Sunday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu.
An area of relatively low atmospheric pressure combined with a southeast flow has brought in a lot of moisture, according to the service. Forecasters said flooding rains are possible.
At 6:35 p.m., radar showed heavy rain near Kawa Flats and Hawaiian Ocean View Estates in Ka’u prompting the service to issue an additional flood advisory that remains in effect until 9:45 p.m. The heavy rain was located upslope of Naalehu and Punaluu Beach Park and slowly moving west toward Milolii.
The service cautioned people to avoid camping or hiking near streams and low-lying flood-prone areas. It also warned that rainfall and runoff may cause hazardous driving conditions because of ponding, reduced visibility and poor braking action.
A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding, according to the service, which also noted that it does not have to be raining heavily where you are for flash flooding to occur.