(BIVN) – The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Flood Advisory for the Kaʻū, Puna, and Hilo districts on the island of Hawaii, in effect until 6:15 p.m. HST.

“At 3:08 p.m. HST, radar indicated heavy showers and thunderstorms flaring over Big Island slopes in South Hilo, Puna, and Kau,” the National Weather Service stated. “The heaviest showers have been producing rain rates up to 2 inches per hour, mainly near Volcano and the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Additional heavy rainfall is expected through late afternoon.”

Locations in the advisory include but are not limited to Hilo, Hawaiian Acres, Naʻalehu, Orchidlands Estates, Glenwood, Keaʻau, Pahala, Wood Valley, Hawaiian Paradise Park and Kawa Flats.

Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense says “heavy rain, thunder, lightning, and other hazardous conditions could develop. Stay away from streams, drainage ditches, and low-lying areas prone to flooding. Heavy rainfall, runoff, and ponding can cause hazardous driving conditions. Be on the alert for malfunctioning traffic signals. Treat flashing traffic lights as a four-way stop. Do not cross fast flowing or rising water in vehicle or on foot. Turn around, don’t drown. Remember, if lightning does threaten your area, the safest place to be is indoors.”