By Hawaii 24/7 Staff

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a flood advisory for the Big Island until 12 noon today.

At 10:42 a.m. weather radar showed heavy rain near Kailua-Kona and the Waaiaha Stream areas with rainfall rates of 1.5 inches. The area of heavy rain was nearly stationary.

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.

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

The advisory may be extended should the heavy rains continue.

UPDATED (3/30/2013 at 12:7 PM)

The flood advisory was cancelled at noon.

The rain showers are moving into the Northern windward coast of the Big Island heading Southeast at about 20 mph. The heaviest rain is affecting the areas from Hawi to Waipio Valley. Drivers should use caution due to ponding and reduced visibility.