Audio message courtesy Hawaii County Civil Defense

The National Weather Service says that instability associated with a cold, upper low will bring the threat of heavy showers and thunderstorms to the Big Island of Hawaii today and tomorrow. The storms will be capable of producing flash flooding on the island.

Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa may also see some snow, as the NWS has issued a Winter Weather Watch for the island’s summits. The weather service says 6 inches of snow may be possible.

The Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency issued this warning on Tuesday in regards to the possibility of flooding:

This is a weather update for Tuesday January 18, 2011. The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for the Island of Hawaii effective from midnight tonight through Wednesday afternoon, January 19, 2011. A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued. Once again, the National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for the Island of Hawaii effective from midnight tonight through Wednesday afternoon, January 19, 2011. Thank you and have a safe day. This is your Hawaii County Civil Defense.

The NWS says the flooding threat will diminsh by Wednesday afternoon.