Hawaii Faces Catastrophic Flooding: Thousands Evacuated Amid Severe Storms

Sun Mar 22 2026 05:18:12 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A severe storm has led to historic flooding in Hawaii, forcing the evacuation of over 5,500 residents as officials warn of imminent dangers and damages estimated to exceed $1 billion.

Hawaii is currently under a state-wide flood watch, experiencing its worst flooding in 20 years due to a severe storm that has already resulted in significant rainfall and evacuations. Governor Josh Green urged residents to take the situation seriously as continued rain poses a risk of flash floods.

Hawaii remains under a statewide flood watch after a severe storm hit the state leading officials to order evacuations.

The risk of flash floods threatens the island of Oahu and parts of Maui County, as per Governor Josh Green's statements on Saturday.

The current storm is the second severe weather event in the last week, with some areas receiving between 40 to 50 inches (127 cm) of rain over the past ten days. Oahu may face an additional four to six inches, while parts of Maui could see between four and twelve inches more, according to the governor.

Don't take this storm lightly, Green cautioned in a video message. Despite no fatalities reported, there have been some serious injuries.

The state has initiated a program to assist those displaced by the storm with discounted hotel rates.

Green noted that the saturation of the ground from previous rainfall means even minimal rain could cause flooding, road closures, and damage.

Honolulu's Mayor Rick Blangiardi warned that damages could surpass $1 billion (£745 million). He also reported that over 230 people have been rescued so far, and that a dam in Oahu is at risk of collapse.

Rising floodwaters have necessitated evacuation orders for approximately 5,500 residents in the areas north of Honolulu, leading to widespread road closures.

Multiple flash flood warnings have been issued by the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management, urging residents to relocate to higher ground.

In addition, flood watch warnings have been extended to Maui, Molokai, and The Big Island.

Governor Green continues to warn that this storm could severely impact the state, having caused significant harm to infrastructure, schools, roads, hospitals, and homes. He described it as the largest flood Hawaii has experienced in 20 years.

The surge in rainfall, reaching over 10 inches in some areas with winds up to 100 mph (160 km/h), reflects the extraordinary conditions caused by this storm.

The evolving crisis adds another layer of challenge for Hawaii, already grappling with the aftermath of natural disasters such as the deadly 2023 Lahaina wildfires.