Flash flood watch in effect for Hawaii Island

Subscribe Now Choose a package that suits your preferences.
Start Free Account Get access to 7 premium stories every month for FREE!
Already a Subscriber? Current print subscriber? Activate your complimentary Digital account.

A flash flood watch is in effect for Hawaii Island through 6 p.m. Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu.

A flash flood watch is in effect for Hawaii Island through 6 p.m. Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu.

Forecasters said a strong disturbance aloft will combine with deep moisture to bring the threat of heavy rain and thunderstorms to the Big Island. While the bulk of the rainfall will occur over the windward slopes, heavy showers are expected elsewhere, including leeward and interior areas this afternoon.

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. Heavy rain on nearby slopes may produce flooding in area streams, canyons and other low-lying areas.