Trending Now - Oahu Endures Historic Flooding, Thousands Forced to Evacuate

WHO:

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi stated, "There's no question that the damage done thus far has been catastrophic."

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green mentioned that the Hawaii National Guard was airlifting about 72 children and adults from a spring break youth camp at Our Lady of Kea'au.

Ian Scheuring, spokesperson for Honolulu, reported that "we do have reports of homes being swept away."

Kathleen Pahinui, a Waialua resident, said, "Just pray for us. We understand there's more rain coming."

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi stated, "There's no question that the damage done thus far has been catastrophic."

Ian Scheuring, spokesperson for Honolulu, reported that "the situation remains an active emergency, with evacuation orders still in place and rescue operations ongoing."

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green described the storm as "very severe right now, particularly on the northern part of Oahu," and noted, "It's going to be a very touch-and-go day."

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi stated that dozens — if not hundreds — of homes had been damaged.

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green mentioned that the Hawaii National Guard was airlifting about 70 children and adults from a spring break youth camp.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green

Honolulu Department of Emergency Management spokesperson Molly Pierce

Hawaii National Guard

WHAT:

The number of residents under evacuation orders has increased to over 5,500.

Honolulu officials reported that dozens — if not hundreds — of homes had been damaged.

The National Weather Service reported that Kaala, the island's highest peak, received nearly 16 inches (40 cm) of rain in the past day, on top of 26.6 inches (67.6 cm) between March 10th and 16th, 2026.

The cost of the storm could top $1 billion, including damage to airports, schools, roads, homes, and a Maui hospital in Kula.

The number of residents under evacuation orders has increased to over 5,500.

Honolulu officials reported that dozens — if not hundreds — of homes had been damaged.

Approximately 186 North Shore residents and their pets were evacuated to Waialua High School before being moved to another evacuation center.

Hawaiian Electric reported nearly 6,800 customers were without power statewide, including about 4,200 in the evacuation areas on Oahu’s North Shore.

The number of residents under evacuation orders has increased to over 5,500.

Reports indicate that some homes had been swept away due to flooding.

The National Weather Service reported that Kaala, the island's highest peak, received nearly 16 inches (40 cm) of rain in the past day.

Emergency sirens activated along Oahu's North Shore to alert residents of the evacuation order.

Honolulu officials issued a "LEAVE NOW" evacuation order at 5:35 a.m. on March 20th, 2026, stating, "Extremely dangerous flooding and Wahiawa Dam is high."

Approximately 185 people and 50 pets were sheltered at Waialua High and Intermediate School, which is being evacuated due to flooding.

Rainfall amounts reported between 8 inches to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) in some parts of north Oahu overnight.

Evacuation orders issued for more than 4,000 residents in Waialua and Haleiwa

Emergency message issued at 5:35 a.m. on March 20th, 2026

Warning of possible failure of the 120-year-old Wahiawa Dam

Activation of the Hawaii National Guard to respond to flooding

Flood watch issued by the National Weather Service through March 22nd, 2026

Reports of "widespread life-threatening flash flooding" particularly in Haleiwa and Waialua

WHERE:

The evacuation order covers parts of Haleiwa and Waialua, including areas of Haleiwa between Puuiki Street and Kamehameha Highway, and parts of Waialua from Kukea Circle to Otake Camp.

The camp where the Hawaii National Guard airlifted about 70 children and adults is called Our Lady of Kea'au, located on Oahu's west coast.

The spring break youth camp is located at Our Lady of Kea'au on Oahu's west coast.

Oahu, Hawaii

Areas downstream of the Wahiawa Dam

Specific locations for pet-friendly shelters: Waialua High and Intermediate, Wahiawā District Park, Nānākuli High and Intermediate, and Kahuku Elementary

WHEN:

The flash flood warning has been extended for Oahu until midnight on March 21st, 2026.

The storm that caused the flooding was noted as the second major rain event within a week.

Evacuation order issued on March 20th, 2026

Flood watch in effect through March 22nd, 2026

Heavy rains reported for the second major rain event in a week

WHY:

The state has warned that the Wahiawa Dam has "high hazard potential," and that a failure "will result in probable loss of human life."

The Wahiawa Dam was built in 1906 to increase sugar production for the Waialua Agricultural Company, which became a subsidiary of Dole Food Company.

Severe rains inundated streets and prompted evacuation orders due to the risk of dam failure

Catastrophic flooding caused by a storm that dumped heavy rain across the state

HOW:

Firefighters and lifeguards on jet skis are searching floodwaters for stranded individuals, with efforts hampered by personal drones being flown in the area.

Firefighters and lifeguards on jet skis were searching floodwaters for stranded individuals, with efforts hampered by personal drones being flown in the area.

Firefighters and lifeguards on jet skis are searching floodwaters for stranded individuals.

Residents advised to carpool due to heavy traffic during evacuations

Emergency sirens activated along Oahu's North Shore to alert residents

(UPDATED March 21, 2026 09:02 UTC)

In Hawaii, the situation remains dire as Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi described the damage from recent storms as catastrophic, with over 5,500 residents now under evacuation orders. The National Weather Service reported that Kaala, the island's highest peak, received nearly 16 inches of rain in just one day, adding to the significant rainfall recorded earlier this month, and the estimated cost of the storm could exceed $1 billion. As firefighters and lifeguards search floodwaters for stranded individuals, officials warn that the Wahiawa Dam poses a high hazard potential, raising concerns about possible loss of life if it fails.

(UPDATED March 21, 2026 07:11 UTC)

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi has described the damage from the ongoing storm as catastrophic, with over 5,500 residents now under evacuation orders and rescue operations still in progress. Hawaii Governor Josh Green emphasized the severity of the situation, particularly on the northern part of Oahu, where nearly 6,800 customers are without power and many homes have been damaged. As the flash flood warning remains in effect until midnight, firefighters and lifeguards are actively searching for stranded individuals, although their efforts are being complicated by personal drones in the area.

(UPDATED March 21, 2026 01:22 UTC)

In Hawaii, Mayor Rick Blangiardi reported that dozens, if not hundreds, of homes have been damaged due to severe flooding, prompting evacuation orders for over 5,500 residents. The National Weather Service indicated that Kaala, the island's highest peak, received nearly 16 inches of rain in just one day, and the Hawaii National Guard is currently airlifting around 70 children and adults from a spring break camp on Oahu's west coast. Firefighters and lifeguards are actively searching the floodwaters for stranded individuals, although their efforts are being hindered by personal drones flying in the area.

(UPDATED March 20, 2026 23:07 UTC)

Emergency sirens sounded across Oahu's North Shore as Honolulu officials issued a "LEAVE NOW" evacuation order early this morning, warning residents of extremely dangerous flooding and concerns about the Wahiawa Dam. Rainfall in some areas reached between 8 to 12 inches overnight, prompting the sheltering of approximately 185 people and 50 pets at Waialua High and Intermediate School, which is also being evacuated due to flooding. Firefighters and lifeguards on jet skis are actively searching the floodwaters for any stranded individuals.

(UPDATED March 20, 2026 21:09 UTC)

Evacuation orders have been issued for more than 4,000 residents in Waialua and Haleiwa due to the risk of failure of the 120-year-old Wahiawa Dam, with emergency messages first sent out early this morning. The Hawaii National Guard has been activated to respond to the situation, as widespread life-threatening flash flooding is reported in the area, prompting a flood watch from the National Weather Service that will remain in effect through March 22. Residents are advised to carpool during evacuations to avoid heavy traffic, and emergency sirens have been activated along Oahu's North Shore to alert those in danger.