UPDATE (2:42 p.m.) – The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Flood Advisory for most of Hawai‘i Island, in effect until 4:45 p.m. “At 1:39 p.m. HST, radar indicated thunderstorms with very heavy rain from Waimea to Saddle Road Junction to near Milolii,” forecasters stated. “These thunderstorms were nearly stationary and will cause flooding of low lying and poor drainage areas.”

In a Short Term Forecast message issued by the National Weather Service after 1 p.m., forecasters explained:

Thunderstorms with brief but intense downpours, frequent cloud to ground lightning, and possibly some gusty winds will continue to develop over the interior of the Big Island and near the summits this afternoon. Over the next few hours this activity will probably slowly head toward the leeward shore, with a gradual weakening trend late in the afternoon.

(BIVN) – Hawai‘i County Civil Defense has issued a hazardous weather message in advance of what could be a wet weekend on the Big Island.

According to the county, forecasters say there is a “possibility of heavy rains, thunderstorms and strong trade winds for Hawaii Island from tonight through the weekend.”

The National Weather Service in Honolulu had this in their 10 a.m. discussion:

It’s not impossible we could have a rumble or two of thunder (mainly near Kauai) as well, and will need to consider adding this to the forecast after looking at more data today. Interior and leeward sections of the Big Island sheltered from the trades should see diurnal circulations allow for mainly afternoon and evening thundershowers as well, as we have seen the past few days. Just like with ordinary trade wind days, the precise timing and locations of the heavier rain…or the lulls in the rain…is difficult to pin down, since the forcing is rather weak.

High Surf is also expected for Kohala, Hamakua, Hilo and Puna districts starting tomorrow, the county civil defense says.

Due to the forecast conditions, the following are listed:

Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to be on the alert for possible flooding conditions.

Motorists are advised to exercise caution while driving. Road closures may occur without notice.

Remember, if lightning does threaten your area, the safest place to be is indoors.

Take measures to secure items around your property that may be affected by strong winds. Complete all preparations before nightfall.

The Department of Public Works reports Waipi’o Valley Road is now open to all traffic. Landslides impacted the access to the valley a few days ago, when heavy rains surged over parts of the Big Island.