(BIVN) – The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Flash Flood Watch for Maui and the Big Island from 6 p.m. HST this evening through late Tuesday night.

Forecasters wrote:

Recent and persistent rainfall, especially over the east end of the island chain, has caused soils to become saturated and streams to be elevated along windward areas of Maui and the Big Island. An upper trough moving into the area along with abundant low level moisture, creates the potential for flash flooding.

In response to the Watch, the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense issued an alert message, saying:

• All 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.)

Rainfall has already led to some runoff that has triggered a Brown Water Advisory for all of East Hawaiʻi, as well as Kawaihae Bay.

The Wind Advisory that was previously in effect for Hawaiʻi island has been discontinued, however a High Surf Advisory remains in place. Large breaking waves of 7 to 11 feet are possible along east facing shores of Hawaiʻi island until Tuesday morning.