Weather advisory map via National Weather Service/NOAA

Hawaii Electric Light reports power outages for Hilo, Upper Puna and Hamakua. Power restoration repair efforts will begin after the heavy rains and lightning storms dissipate. For any power outages or downed power lines contact HELCO at (808) 969-6666.

UPDATED (9:40 PM on 9/14/2016)

Police Alert: South Kopua Road, in Mountain View, is flooded 1.5 miles in from Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11). Traffic being detoured thru farm lots

UPDATED (6:58 p.m. on 9/14/2016)

Police Alert: One lane is closed on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 19) near Paauilo Post Office due to a landslide. Motorists are advised to drive with caution in the area. The American Red Cross is opening a shelter at Paauilo Gym for Hamakua residents evacuated from their homes due to flash flooding. The shelter at Paauilo Gym has been closed as of 10 p.m.

Flash Flood Watch

A Flash Flood Watch is in effect through Thursday afternoon (Sept 15) for Hawaii Island.

A very moist and unstable air mass interacting with an upper level trough will result in unsettled weather with the potential for flash flooding.

Hawaii Electric Light Company reported two transformers were damaged by lightning strikes in Hilo Tuesay evening (Sept 13). The damaged transformers were replaced and power was restored to customers.

Campers and hikers should avoid low lying flood prone areas. People should stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low lying areas prone to flooding. The rainfall and runoff will cause hazardous driving conditions due to ponding, reduced visibility and poor braking action. Excessive runoff may cause rockslides and mudslides in steep terrain.

Debris in streams and gulches may clog bridges and culverts resulting in flooding outside normal water channels causing damage.

Do not cross fast flowing or rising water in your vehicle or on foot. Turn around, don’t drown.

For links to the latest weather forecasts, reports, radar and satellite imagery visit our Weather Page at hawaii247.com/weather

A view over Hilo from Mauna Kea summit courtesy of the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope CloudCam. Line patterns overlaid are constellations. Flashes from lightning over East Hawaii can also be seen. Courtesy CFHT