UPDATE: 8:40 p.m.

A flash flood warning for Hawaii island has been issued until 10:45 p.m. as heavy rain continues, leading to the opening of three emergency shelters.

“At 7:39 p.m., radar and automated rain gauges indicated heavy rain over primarily windward, southeast and interior portions of the Big Island. Rain was falling at a rate of up to 3 inches per hour,” the National Weather Service warning said. “This is leading to significant rises in water levels in streams and rivers, with stream gauges at Honolii Stream and Wailuku River exceeding minor flood stage of 15 feet and 18 feet respectively. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.”

Areas that will experience flash flooding include Hilo, Kailua-Kona, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Captain Cook, Waikoloa Village, Kapaau, Honokaa, Pohakuloa Training Area, Pohakuloa Camp, Volcano, Wood Valley, Glenwood, Honaunau, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Honalo, Mountain View, Kainaliu, Kealakekua and Puuanahulu.

Evacuation shelters have been opened in Kau District/Robert N. Herkes Gym, Keaau Armory, Naalehu Community Center.

A flood watch through Tuesday afternoon covers the island and Maui.

“Deep tropical moisture associated with a trough of low pressure will continue to progress westward across the state through Tuesday,” officials said in the flood watch. “This combined with a disturbance aloft will maintain the threat for heavy rain, flash flooding, and the potential for a few thunderstorms, especially over windward portions of the Big Island and Maui.”

6:45 p.m.

The flash flood warning for Hawaii island has been extended until 7:30 p.m.

“At 5:17 p.m., radar indicated heavy rain over primarily windward, southeast and interior portions of the Big Island,” National Weather Service officials said. “Rain was falling at a rate of up to 3 inches per hour, and up to 7 inches of rain has fallen since this morning in some areas. This is leading to significant rises in water levels in streams and rivers.

“Highway-11 near Kawa Flats is now closed between mile markers 57 and 62 due to flooding. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.”

The warning covers Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Honokaa, Volcano, Glenwood, Pohakuloa Training Area, Pohakuloa Camp, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Wood Valley, Mountain View, Pahala, Hawaiian Acres, Keaau, Punaluu Beach, Orchidlands Estates, Papaikou, Kawa Flats, Pepeekeo and Honomu.

Evacuation shelters are open at the Keaau Armory in Keaau and Ka‘u District/Robert N. Herkes Gym in Pahala.

All of Hawaii island and Maui are under a flood watch through Tuesday afternoon.

2 p.m.

A flash flood warning is in effect for Hawaii island through 5 p.m. today.

Radar at 1:34 p.m. showed heavy rain over Kau, Puna and south Hilo falling at a rate of up to 4 inches per hour, according to the National Weather Service.

Honolii Stream and Wailuku River are continuing to rise. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

Flooding is likely to occur in drainages, streams, rivers, roads, properties, and other low-lying areas, weather officials said. Public road closures are possible in some areas. Landslides are possible in steep terrain.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Glenwood, Volcano, Mountain View, Hawaiian Acres, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Keaau, Orchidlands Estates, Pahoa, Papaikou, Pepeekeo, Honomu, Wood Valley, Hakalau, Pahala, Laupahoehoe, Punaluu Beach and Ookala.

10 a.m.

A flood advisory has been posted through 1 p.m. today for Hawaii island.

Radar at 9:48 a.m. showed heavy rain over south and east areas of Hawaii island at rates of up to 2 inches per hour, according to the National Weather Service.

Some locations that will experience flooding include, but are not limited to, Hilo, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Glenwood, Volcano, Mountain View, Hawaiian Acres, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Keaau, Orchidlands Estates, Pahoa, Papaikou, Pepeekeo, Honomu, Wood Valley, Hakalau, Pahala, Laupahoehoe, Punaluu Beach and Ookala, weather officials said.

Residents and visitors are warned to stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low-lying areas prone to flooding.

The advisory may need to be extended if flooding persists.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE

A flood watch remains in effect for the island of Maui and Hawaii island through Tuesday, with the National Weather Service warning of flash flooding risks, strong surf and hazardous conditions for small craft.

Weather officials say that heavy rainfall is expected, mostly affecting the windward areas of Maui and Hawaii island due to an influx of tropical moisture. This could lead to flash flooding in low-lying areas and urban zones resulting from elevated runoff. Residents and visitors are advised to avoid flood-prone roads and monitor local forecasts.

A high surf advisory also continues through 6 p.m. today, covering north and west-facing shores across Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai and the north-facing shores on Maui. Waves reaching 12 to 16 feet on north shores and 8 to 12 feet on west shores will create dangerous swimming conditions. Beachgoers are urged to follow guidance from ocean safety officials.

A small craft advisory is in place for Maui County’s windward waters, Maalaea Bay and channels around Hawaii island, with east winds up to 25 knots creating challenging conditions through early Tuesday morning. Mariners, particularly those in smaller vessels, are cautioned against venturing out.

Forecasters expect locally heavy rain and thunderstorms across Maui and Hawaii island through Tuesday. However, a cold front will approach the islands Wednesday, stalling and dissipating as a new high builds northward. The shift is expected to bring wetter tradewinds and breezy to windy conditions by late week.