Trending Now - Hawaii Experiences Severe Flooding, Thousands Evacuated
WHO:
Governor Josh Green of Hawaii
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi
Ian Scheuring, spokesperson for Honolulu
Kathleen Pahinui, Waialua resident
Dole Food Company
WHAT:
More than 230 people have been rescued due to severe flooding.
Evacuation orders were issued for 5,500 people north of Honolulu.
The cost of the storm could exceed $1 billion, affecting airports, schools, roads, homes, and a hospital.
72 children and adults were airlifted from a spring break youth camp.
Parts of Oahu received 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) of rain overnight, with Kaala receiving nearly 16 inches (40 cm).
6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) of additional rain is forecasted for Oahu in the next two to three days.
The Wahiawa dam's water level peaked at more than 85 feet (26 meters) and was at 81.5 feet (24.8 meters) by early Saturday.
WHERE:
Hawaii, specifically Oahu’s North Shore and Waialua area.
The Wahiawa dam, located about 17 miles (28 kilometers) northwest of Honolulu.
Our Lady of Kea’au retreat on Oahu’s west coast.
WHEN:
The flooding began on March 18th, 2026, following heavy rains from a winter storm a week prior.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning on March 19th, 2026.
The dam was built in 1906 and reconstructed after a collapse in 1921.
The state passed legislation in 2023 authorizing the dam’s acquisition.
WHY:
The flooding was caused by heavy rains on already saturated soil from previous storms.
Winter storm systems known as “Kona lows” brought moisture-laden air to Hawaii.
The aging Wahiawa dam has been a concern due to its “high hazard potential” and history of safety deficiencies.
HOW:
Evacuations were ordered through emergency alerts urging residents to leave immediately.
The National Guard and Honolulu Fire Department conducted airlifts for stranded individuals.
The state has sent multiple notices of deficiency to Dole regarding the dam since 2009.
(UPDATED March 21, 2026 17:04 UTC)
In Hawaii, severe flooding has led to the rescue of over 230 people, with evacuation orders issued for 5,500 residents north of Honolulu as heavy rains continue to impact the area. The National Weather Service had issued a flash flood warning on March 19, following days of relentless rainfall that caused parts of Oahu to receive up to 16 inches overnight, and additional rain is expected in the coming days. The aging Wahiawa dam, which has a history of safety concerns, peaked at over 85 feet, prompting emergency responses from the National Guard and local fire departments to airlift stranded individuals from affected areas.