UPDATE (7:35 p.m. HST) – The flood advisory for Hawaii County has been extended until 9 p.m. HST, the National Weather Service says.

At 6:59 p.m. HST, radar indicated heavy rain spreading over the leeward areas of North Kona and South Kohala and across the Hilo and Puna districts. Rain was falling at a rate of up to 2 inches per hour in some locations.

Locations in the advisory include but are not limited to… Hilo, Kailua-Kona, and Mountain View.

UPDATE (4:32 p.m. HST) – The flood advisory for Hawaii County has been extended until 7 p.m., the National Weather Service says.

At 3:55 p.m. HST, radar indicated heavy rain continuing upslope of Kailua-Kona town and across the Hilo and Puna districts. Rain was falling at a rate of up to 2 inches per hour. Heavy rains and thunderstorms are spreading to other parts of the Big Island, across the Ka’u district, and toward Honoka’a.

(ORIGINAL REPORT) – The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a flood advisory for the Big Island of Hawaii, in effect until 4:15 p.m. HST

At 1:15 p.m. HST, forecasters say radar indicated heavy rain over Puna, Hilo and the upper slopes above Kailua-Kona town. Rain was falling at a rate up to 2 inches an hour.

“Additional heavy rains and thunderstorms can be expected elsewhere around the Big Island for the rest of the afternoon with nearby streams and drainages being affected,” the weather experts reported.

Locations in the advisory include but are not limited to Hilo, Kailua-Kona, Hawaiian Paradise Park, and Pahoa.

“Stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low lying areas prone to flooding,” the National Weather Service warned islanders. “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.”

Low level moisture is moving over the island from the east, forecasters reported earlier today, while an upper level trough “will push south over the state tonight and Monday bringing slight instability over the islands.”

“There is also the possibility of upslope thunderstorms over the Big Island due to the elevated terrain, enhanced low level moisture, and slight instability,” the National Weather Service stated.