With cloudiness and rains expected to continue through this weekend, it’s a good idea to keep alert for weather warnings.

Flooding, in particular, can come suddenly and forcefully.

A flash flood watch was in effect all day Friday into late night, after Hawaii island was drenched with up to 6 inches of rain Thursday.

The tropical moisture was predicted to move northwest up the island chain, then meet a cold front north of Kauai and bring more rain.

Too many hikers in this and recent years have been lulled into trails — many on Kauai — then gotten into serious trouble due to flash flooding. The dangers cannot be stressed enough, so keep up on weather reports and warnings.

Be prepared to take action, or to make a smart change in outdoor plans.