(BIVN) – The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended the Flood Advisory for East Hawaii until 6 p.m. HST, as heavy rains continue to soak the island.

At 2:40 p.m., forecasters reported:

At 236 PM HST, radar continued to show heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms moving onto saturated windward slopes of the Big Island. Gages and radar showed widespread showers producing rain rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour with isolated heavier showers moving across Hilo and Puna. Expect ponding on roads, especially in and around Hilo, as well as rises in streams.

Locations in the advisory include but are not limited to Hilo, Naalehu, Paauilo, Waipio Valley, Orchidlands Estates, Kukuihaele, Hawi, Pepeekeo, Keaau, Honokaa, Ookala and Hawaiian Paradise Park.

Hawaii County Civil Defense issued a Flash Flood and Road Closure message for Tuesday afternoon, January 23rd, at 2:20. The emergency officials said the heavy rains, as well as thunder and lightning, are expected to continue through tonight.

Due to the Flash Flood Advisory, civil defense says:

• If lightning threatens your area, the safest place to be is indoors. Due to the lightning, your utilities of power, cable and/or phones may be interrupted.
• Hawaii Police Department reports driving conditions in Hamakua, Hilo Puna, and Ka’u are poor due to heavy downpours.
• Department of Public Works reports 2 road closures in Hilo due to flooding: East Kawailani Street, between Kamali’i Street to Ho’onani Place; and Kukila Street off Railroad Avenue.
• Motorists are advised to avoid the affected area, use alternate routes and drive with caution