By Hawaii 24/7 Staff

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a flood advisory for Hawaii County until 8:15 p.m. Thursday (March 8).

Weather radar shows heavy rain in North Hawaii from Waipio Valley down the Hamakua Coast to Hakalau. The heavy rain system is slow moving.

Hawaii County police reported at 6:14 p.m. flooding near Pu‘u nani subdivision in Waimea between the 54 and 55 mile markers Thursday evening (March 8).

Police ask drivers to use caution and they don’t expect the flooding to subside until 9 p.m.

At about 5:30 p.m. pea sized hail near Mana Road in Waimea along with thunder and lightning were reported.

UPDATED (3/8/2012 at 8:29 PM)

Police report one lane open on Highway 19 between the 54 and 55 mile makers as crews clear flood debris from the roadway. The highway should be open to both lanes of traffic by 10:15 p.m.

UPDATED (3/8/2012 at 9:21 PM)

Police report both lanes of Highway 19 between the 54 and 55 mile markers are open. Debris have been cleared from the roadway.

For current weather information and links to live webcams on the Big Island see the Hawaii 24/7 Weather Page