National Weather Service in Honolulu issued a flood watch this afternoon through 6 a.m. Saturday for Maui and all other counties in the state.

A watch means that weather conditions are possible. A warning is issued when weather conditions are happening or are about to happen.

During a flood watch, flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible and flood prone roads and other low-lying areas may be closed due to elevated runoff and overflowing streams, according to NWS.

A strong upper level disturbance will bring scattered heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms tonight through Friday and Friday night, NWS said. The heaviest downpours will be hit or miss, but where they do occur, they will be capable of producing rainfall rates in excess of 3 inches per hour. The threat for flash flooding is expected to be the greatest Friday through Friday evening. Conditions should steadily improve from west to east late Friday into Saturday.

The public is encouraged to monitor forecasts and be prepared to take action should warnings be issued, NWS added.

For the latest information, visit National Weather Service in Honolulu at https://www.weather.gov/hfo/ and subscribe to Maui Emergency Management Agency alerts at www.mauicounty.gov/MEMA.