HONOLULU (KHON2) -- During times of heavy rain there are often notifications from the National Weather Service--flood watch, flood advisory, flood warning. Hereʻs what they all mean and what action you should take for each. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You A flood watch means that conditions are favorable for flooding or flooding is possible. The NWS advises that people seek information from local news sources for further information and be ready to go to higher ground. A flood advisory is issued when heavy rain is forecasted or is already occurring. This may mean that people should seek higher ground. The NWS issues a flood warning when flooding is happening or is about to happen and that people should seek higher ground immediately. Driving or walking through floodwaters is dangerous. Heavy downpours hit Hawaii Island, shelters opened Heavy rain can also lead to flash flooding, which the NWS said can escalate quickly. Flash flood warnings are typically issued when "dangerous flash flooding is happening or will happen soon. Some roads will be flooded. Homes and businesses may flood." The NWS advises never to drive through flooded roads. We're Hawaii's weather station, get the latest forecast and radar information here The NWS will issue flash flood emergencies but they "are exceedingly rare situations when a severe threat to human life and catastrophic damage from a flash flood is happening or will happen soon." Flash flood emergencies are life-threatening situations and the NWS advises not attempting to travel unless fleeing the area due to flooding or an evacuation order.