WAIKOLOA, Hawaii – Heavy rain in South Kohala has triggered a flood advisory for the Island of Hawaii.

The advisory is in effect until 5 p.m. HST, the National Weather Service says.

“At 2:05 p.m. HST,” forecasters reported, “radar indicated heavy rain along leeward slopes near Waikoloa Village. Rain was falling at a rate of one inch per hour.”

Locations in the advisory include but are not limited to Kailua-Kona, Waikoloa Village, Waimea, Puuanahulu, Kalaoa, Kohala Ranch, Puako, Pohakuloa Training Area, Kona International Airport, Waikoloa Beach and Waikii.

“Stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low lying areas prone to flooding,” NWS Honolulu says. “Rainfall and runoff will also cause hazardous driving conditions due to ponding, reduced visibility and poor braking action. Do not cross fast flowing or rising water in your vehicle, or on foot. Turn around, don`t drown.”

The flood advisory for the Kohala / North Kona area overlaps the flash flood watch in effect for the entire Big Island through Tuesday afternoon. The National Weather Service in Honolulu says the “combination of abundant moisture and an upper level disturbance could trigger heavy rains and thunderstorms” into tomorrow.