Hawaii Island’s heaviest rainfalls are expected to taper off by today.

That assessment came from Vanessa Almanza, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Honolulu.

Overnight rains Thursday night into Friday morning brought much-needed moisture to the area. But the storms also brought lightning, thunder and heavy downpours throughout East Hawaii.

Authorities reminded residents that the safest place, when lightning threatens, is indoors.

A flood advisory was issued Friday morning for Waikoloa, Puako, Kawaihae, Kohala, Waimea and the Waipio Valley.

Friday afternoon, Hawaii County sent an alert saying high surf was expected “to approach advisory levels along the shores of North Kohala, Hamakua, North and South Hilo and Puna from (Friday) through the weekend.”

Hawaii Police Department issued an advisory Friday evening alerting people to avoid the Bayfront Highway between Pauahi Street and Waianuenue Avenue in Hilo because of high waves washing debris onto the highway.

Hawaii County Civil Defense plans to assess the situation this morning to determine if the road can be reopened.

The Police Department said Kamehameha Avenue should be used as an alternate route.

The 24-hour rainfall total at Hilo International Airport as of Friday morning was 2.86 inches, with Pahoa getting 1.57 inches, Papaikou 3.92 inches and Glenwood .28 inches.

Although heavy downpours are expected to dissipate, chances of rain showers will continue throughout the coming week, according to the online NWS forecast. But showers will only be “occasional” starting Sunday.

One elderly Hawi woman was displaced because of damaging water that got inside her downstairs apartment during the heavy rains that socked East Hawaii Thursday night and Friday.

The Hawaii American Red Cross chapter responded to offer her referrals and take care of immediate needs, such as food and housing, said Debbie Weeks, Hawaii County director of disaster services.

The woman was safe and meeting with Red Cross volunteers Friday afternoon.

Email Jeff Hansel at jhansel@hawaiitribune-herald.com.

Hawaii Island’s heaviest rainfalls are expected to taper off by today.

That assessment came from Vanessa Almanza, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Honolulu.

Overnight rains Thursday night into Friday morning brought much-needed moisture to the area. But the storms also brought lightning, thunder and heavy downpours throughout East Hawaii.

Authorities reminded residents that the safest place, when lightning threatens, is indoors.

A flood advisory was issued Friday morning for Waikoloa, Puako, Kawaihae, Kohala, Waimea and the Waipio Valley.

Friday afternoon, Hawaii County sent an alert saying high surf was expected “to approach advisory levels along the shores of North Kohala, Hamakua, North and South Hilo and Puna from (Friday) through the weekend.”

Hawaii Police Department issued an advisory Friday evening alerting people to avoid the Bayfront Highway between Pauahi Street and Waianuenue Avenue in Hilo because of high waves washing debris onto the highway.

Hawaii County Civil Defense plans to assess the situation this morning to determine if the road can be reopened.

The Police Department said Kamehameha Avenue should be used as an alternate route.

The 24-hour rainfall total at Hilo International Airport as of Friday morning was 2.86 inches, with Pahoa getting 1.57 inches, Papaikou 3.92 inches and Glenwood .28 inches.

Although heavy downpours are expected to dissipate, chances of rain showers will continue throughout the coming week, according to the online NWS forecast. But showers will only be “occasional” starting Sunday.

One elderly Hawi woman was displaced because of damaging water that got inside her downstairs apartment during the heavy rains that socked East Hawaii Thursday night and Friday.

The Hawaii American Red Cross chapter responded to offer her referrals and take care of immediate needs, such as food and housing, said Debbie Weeks, Hawaii County director of disaster services.

The woman was safe and meeting with Red Cross volunteers Friday afternoon.

Email Jeff Hansel at jhansel@hawaiitribune-herald.com.