(BIVN) – The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Flood Advisory for an area of West Hawaiʻi until 6:15 p.m. HST.

“At 3:20 p.m. HST, radar indicated heavy rain falling at rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour along leeward and interior slopes of the Big Island, ” forecasters said. “Additional heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected through the afternoon, leading to ponding on roads, including Mamalahoa Highway and Saddle Road.”

Locations in the advisory include Kailua-Kona, Pohakuloa Camp, Captain Cook, Puʻuanahulu, Hōnaunau, Kawaihae, Kahaluʻu-Keauhou, Kainaliu, Waikoloa Village, Kealakekua, Hōnalo and Kohala Ranch.

“A weak mid level ridge is hanging on overhead, but an upper level trough centered just northwest of the state is producing enough instability to trigger spotty heavy showers and thunderstorms over leeward and interior slopes of the Big Island and Maui,” the National Weather Service said in a 4 p.m. discussion, adding that the “showers over and just off the Kona coast of the Big Island will likely linger through much of the night.”

According to Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense:

• Due to the Flood Advisory, the following are issued:
• Residents in flood prone areas remain alert for flooding conditions.
• Stay away from streams, drainage ditches, and low-lying areas prone to flooding.
• Rainfall and runoff may cause hazardous driving conditions due to ponding, reduced visibility, and poor braking.
• Be aware that road closures may occur without notice.
• Do not attempt to cross fast flowing or rising water; turn around don’t drown.
• Be on the alert for malfunctioning traffic signals. Treat flashing traffic lights as a 4-way stop.
• Remember, if lightning threatens your area, the safest place to be is indoors.