UPDATE 6 p.m

Highway 11 in Ka'u (between mile markers 57 and 62) is closed due to flooding.

Police reported this at 5:47 p.m. There are no alternative routes available.

UPDATE 4:24 p.m

The National Weather Service continues its Flash Flood Warning for the following counties: Ka'u, North Hilo, Puna, South Hilo.

A flash flood warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring.

Puna District is experiencing heavy rainfall, causing runoff and puddles on roads, particularly on Highway 130 in Keaau and Route 11 in Mountain View and Glenwood, police reported just after 4 p.m

Police also said Kamehameha Avenue in Hilo was closed between Ponahawai Street and Bishop Street due to flooding. Use alternative routes.

Other closures this afternoon include Pauahi Street, Pohaku Street, Kahikopele Street and N. Kulani Road.

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

Motorists are urged to drive with extreme caution and avoid unnecessary travel on the roads until weather conditions improve.

Heavy rain is expected until tomorrow evening.

PREVIOUSLY

A flash flood warning is in effect for the island of Hawaii until 5:00 p.m. today.

A flash flood warning is a severe weather warning issued by the National Weather Service indicating that a flash flood is occurring or is imminent.

According to the NWS, radar indicated heavy rain over Ka'u, Puna and southern Hilo at 1:34 p.m. at a rate of up to 4 inches per hour.

The Honolii Stream and Wailuku River continue to rise.

Flooding may occur in drains, streams, rivers, roads, properties and other low lying areas. Public road closures are possible in some cases. Landslides are possible in steep terrain.

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.