Severe flooding hits Hawaii’s North Shore, prompting evacuations and over 230 rescues, as a Kona low storm drops up to 12 inches of rain, threatening infrastructure and displacing 2,500+ people, with costs potentially reaching $1 billion. The worst flooding in 20+ years ravages low-lying areas, with roads and homes inundated, and a statewide flood watch remaining in effect through Sunday afternoon.
Severe flooding has struck Oʻahu‘s North Shore, particularly in Haleʻiwa, Waialua, and Mokulēʻia, due to a Kona low storm that dropped up to 12 inches of rain overnight into March 21, 2026, prompting evacuations and over 230 rescues. A statewide flood watch remains in effect through Sunday afternoon, with 6-8 more inches forecast for Oʻahu and risks of additional flash flooding across islands including Maui, Molokai, and Hawaiʻi Island.
“Water levels rose to within 3 inches of the 84-foot evacuation trigger at the Wahiawā Dam, peaking over 85 feet before dropping to 81.5 feet by early Saturday, prompting officials to warn of 'imminent failure,' risking 2,500+ lives downstream, although no structural damage was reported.”
Catastrophic flash flooding overwhelmed low-lying areas early Friday, with homes, cars, and roads inundated, leading to evacuation orders for Haleʻiwa and Waialua as roads became impassable. Water levels rose to within 3 inches of the 84-foot evacuation trigger at the Wahiawā Dam, peaking over 85 feet before dropping to 81.5 feet by early Saturday, prompting officials to warn of ‘imminent failure,’ risking 2,500+ lives downstream, although no structural damage was reported.
Over 230 people were rescued by air and water, while nearly 9,000 were without power on Oʻahu, with personal drones hampering efforts. The worst flooding in 20+ years has caused potential $1 billion in costs to infrastructure like airports, schools, roads, homes, and a Maui hospital, with no deaths reported. Maui saw evacuations near Lahaina and road closures in Kihei.
This follows a first Kona low about a week ago that caused initial flooding and heightened soil saturation. Flash flood warnings extended island-wide on Oʻahu until at least Saturday morning, with more heavy rain bands expected through Saturday night, increasing saturated ground risks of landslide, tree fall, and power line risks with winds up to 45-75 mph.
All major islands are under flood watch, with the heaviest additional rain on Oʻahu Saturday and Hawaiʻi Island Sunday. Haleʻiwa, Waialua, and Mokulēʻia residents were ordered to evacuate, with 2,500+ people displaced. Over 230 people were rescued by air and water, while drones hampered efforts. Nearly 9,000 were without power on Oʻahu, with 10,000+ without power statewide.
“The potential $1 billion in costs to infrastructure like airports, schools, roads, homes, and a Maui hospital is a concern.”
- What areas in Hawaii's North Shore were severely flooded?
The areas of Haleʻiwa, Waialua, and Mokulēʻia on Oʻahu were particularly affected by the severe flooding. - How much rain fell overnight in Hawaii's North Shore?
Up to 12 inches of rain fell overnight into March 21, 2026, causing severe flooding. - How many people were rescued by air and water due to the flooding?
Over 230 people were rescued by air and water due to the flooding. - What is the estimated cost of the damage caused by the flooding?
The potential damage is estimated to be around $1 billion to infrastructure like airports, schools, roads, homes, and a Maui hospital. - Are there any areas under evacuation orders due to the flooding?
Haleʻiwa and Waialua residents were ordered to evacuate due to the severe flooding.
“Over 230 people were rescued by air and water, while nearly 9,000 were without power on Oʻahu, with personal drones hampering efforts.”
The potential $1 billion in costs to infrastructure like airports, schools, roads, homes, and a Maui hospital is a concern. Evacuations near Lahaina and road closures in Kihei were reported on Maui. The first Kona low about a week ago caused initial flooding and heightened soil saturation.
Flash flood warnings extended island-wide on Oʻahu until at least Saturday morning, with more heavy rain bands expected through Saturday night, increasing saturated ground risks of landslide, tree fall, and power line risks with winds up to 45-75 mph. All major islands are under flood watch, with the heaviest additional rain on Oʻahu Saturday and Hawaiʻi Island Sunday.
- usatoday.com | Worst flooding in 20 years hits Hawaii; evacuations say LEAVE NOW
- civilbeat.org | UPDATED: ‘Catastrophic’ North Shore Flooding Prompts Evacuation, Alerts
- hawaiipublicradio.org | Statewide flood watch in effect through Sunday afternoon
- cbsnews.com | More than 230 rescued amid Hawaii flooding; officials warn more rain is on the way
- abcnews.com | Flash flood warning extended for Hawaiis Oahu Island over threat to Wahiawa Dam
- dod.hawaii.gov | March 2026 Kona Low – Hawaii Emergency Management Agency
- cotality.com | Hawaii faces severe floods and infrastructure damage from March ...
- hawaiipublicradio.org | Worst of the storm is over, but risks and massive cleanup remain
- hawaiinewsnow.com | Whats closed as a new Kona low triggers severe flooding on Oahu
