Visuals show the damaging aftermath of severe flooding in Hawaii Severe flooding and damaging winds have left a trail of destruction across Hawaii, prompting evacuation orders, over 200 rescues, widespread power outages, and damage estimates exceeding $1 billion, officials reported. The storm, which struck in early March 2026, has left many residents grappling with the loss of homes and the uncertainty of rebuilding. "Like everybody and anybody, I’m grateful that so far everybody’s alive, but I recognize the fact that a lot of homes have been destroyed," said Blangiardi, per the outlet. He added that many lives will be upended by the challenges ahead, urging communities to "dig in" and support one another. The flooding followed a series of low-pressure systems, known as kona lows or kona storms, a common winter phenomenon in Hawaii. These storms typically affect the leeward sides of the islands, which are usually sheltered from tradewinds and heavy rainfall, according to Steven Businger, a meteorology professor at the University of Hawaii. The recent storms brought intense rains and damaging winds, overwhelming infrastructure and causing significant disruption. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green addressed residents Sunday night, March 22, stating that state operations would resume amid ongoing recovery efforts. Public schools will reopen, though those damaged by the storm will remain closed. "Throughout this storm, we saw neighbors helping neighbors, communities stepping up, and our emergency teams working tirelessly to keep everyone safe," Green said. He expressed gratitude to essential workers and residents for their resilience and solidarity during the crisis. The storm’s impact has highlighted the vulnerability of Hawaii’s infrastructure to extreme weather events, raising concerns about long-term preparedness.#josh_green #hawaii #kona_storms #blangiardi #university_of_hawaii
Catastrophic flooding in Hawaii as Oahu faces evacuations, dam fears Catastrophic flooding has struck Hawaii, with Oahu facing urgent evacuations and fears of a dam collapse. The state is experiencing its worst flooding in two decades, as relentless rain and damaging winds from back-to-back storms have caused widespread destruction. Authorities warned that the situation poses a significant threat to residents and infrastructure, with emergency measures in place to protect lives. The flooding, driven by kona storms—Hawaii’s winter cyclones—has led to severe water levels, damaged roads, and the risk of a dam bursting. On March 20, thousands were evacuated from areas including Haleʻiwa and Waialua after officials issued an alert stating the 120-year-old dam in Central Oahu was at "imminent risk of failure." While the dam did not collapse, the warning prompted immediate action, with residents urged to "LEAVE NOW." Governor Josh Green emphasized that no deaths or missing persons had been reported, but the scale of the crisis was unprecedented since the early 2000s. Rescue efforts have been underway, with over 200 people saved from flooded areas and approximately 10 hospitalized for hypothermia. Green described the flooding as a "major threat" to the state, highlighting the extensive damage to homes, roads, schools, airports, and a hospital on Maui. Officials estimated the total damage could reach $1 billion, surpassing the $85 million in losses from the 2004 Manoa Flood. The current crisis is linked to a series of kona storms, which are rare but powerful winter weather systems that typically affect the leeward sides of the islands. These storms, characterized by heavy rainfall and strong winds, have brought record-breaking precipitation.#hawaii #wahiawa_dam #oahu #kona_storms #manoa_flood
