A flood advisory is in effect for much of the Big Island Tuesday afternoon.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory for North and South Kohala, Hāmākua, Hilo and Puna through the afternoon. The heaviest rainfall is affecting the upslope areas of the Kohala district between Kamuela and Pōhakuloa.

A flood advisory means localized flooding may occur.

Due to the Flood Advisory, the following are issued:

• Stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low lying areas prone to flooding.
• Rainfall and runoff will also cause hazardous driving conditions due to ponding, reduced visibility and poor braking action.
• 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.