graphic by BIVN

(BIVN) – The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Flood Advisory for parts of East Hawaiʻi until 8:45 p.m. HST.

“At 5:42 p.m. HST, radar indicated heavy showers and thunderstorms across the South Hilo and Puna Districts,” forecasters reported, “with rain falling at rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour. The heavy rainfall will persist into the evening.”

The National Weather Service says locations in the advisory include Hilo, Hawaiian Acres, Orchidlands Estates, Glenwood, Keaʻau, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Pāhoa, Mountain View, Volcano, Wainaku, Fern Forest and Hawaiian Beaches.

Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense also issued a message, advising:

• Residents in flood prone areas are asked to remain alert for flooding conditions.
• Be aware that road closures may occur without notice.
• Do not attempt to cross flowing water; turn around don’t drown.
• Be on the alert for malfunctioning traffic signals. Please treat flashing traffic lights as a four-way stop.
• Remember, if lightning threatens your area, the safest place to be is indoors.