Hawaii Faces Historic Flooding: Thousands Evacuated Amid Severe Storms

Sun Mar 22 2026 04:47:45 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

As Hawaii grapples with the most severe flooding it has faced in 20 years, over 5,500 residents have been evacuated due to unprecedented rainfall and flash flood warnings. Authorities are urging residents to seek higher ground and heed evacuation orders.

Hawaii is currently under a statewide flood watch after severe storms have brought historic rains, prompting mass evacuations across the islands. Governor Josh Green has warned that the ongoing storm could lead to extensive damage, exacerbated by saturated ground conditions. With predictions for continued heavy rainfall, the state faces a significant challenge as damaged infrastructure and flood risks threaten communities.

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

The potential for flash floods threatens the island of Oahu and parts of Maui County, Governor Josh Green reported. This storm marks the second severe weather event to hit the archipelago within a week.

Some areas have recorded between 40 to 50 inches (127 cm) of rain over the past ten days. As Oahu braces for an additional four to six inches of rain, parts of Maui could see between four to twelve inches.

Governor Green emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, Don't take this storm lightly. He noted that while no deaths have been reported, there have been several serious injuries. To support displaced individuals, the state has activated a program that provides discounted hotel rates to evacuees.

Green cautioned that, due to soil saturation from previous rainfall, it would take remarkably less rain to trigger floods and road closures. Estimates for storm-related damages could exceed $1 billion, according to Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi.

As of a recent news conference, more than 230 individuals have been rescued from floodwaters, and officials warned that a dam on Oahu is at risk of collapsing. Residents are urged to stay safe and take prescribed evacuation orders seriously.

Flood warnings extend beyond Oahu to Maui, Molokai, and the Big Island, with emergency management urging citizens to move to higher ground.

The storm has significant implications for Hawaii, having caused substantial damage to schools, hospitals, roads, and homes, with Governor Green referring to this flooding event as the most severe the state has seen in twenty years.

Rising floodwaters have already resulted in the evacuation of 5,500 people north of Honolulu, with numerous roads closed. Authorities have issued multiple warnings and are actively working with emergency services to ensure public safety amidst this devastating weather event.