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
Jason Momoa Forced to Evacuate as Devastating Storm Hits Hawaii Jason Momoa has evacuated the North Shore of Oahu after severe storms caused widespread damage across Hawaii. The actor, who has lived most of his life on the island, shared updates on his Instagram account, stating that he and his family left the area as the storm intensified. "We’re safe for now, but there’s a lot of people who weren’t," he said, expressing concern for those affected. His posts highlighted the ongoing crisis, urging followers to support relief efforts for communities impacted by the flooding and destruction. Hawaii is currently facing its most severe weather event in two decades, with damages already surpassing $1 billion. The relentless storms have battered the mid-Pacific archipelago for two weeks, leading to catastrophic flooding and infrastructure damage. Oahu’s North Shore, a region Momoa has called home since childhood, has been particularly hard-hit. Officials issued evacuation orders for nearly 5,500 residents, citing the risk of a 120-year-old dam in Honolulu failing. Over 230 people have been rescued as the storm continues to wreak havoc. Momoa, who previously advocated for Maui after wildfires devastated the island in 2023, reiterated his commitment to supporting Hawaii during this crisis. In a social media post, he described the situation as "heavy," emphasizing the struggles of families displaced by the storms and the challenges faced by unhoused individuals. He encouraged his nearly 17 million followers to donate to relief efforts, writing, "The storms, the flooding, the constant rain across O’ahu have affected so many of our people, especially those already facing hardship." The storm system has caused unprecedented destruction, with reports of widespread power outages and damaged homes.#hawaii #north_shore #oahu #jason_momoa #hurricane
Over 5,500 people told to evacuate floods on Oahu's North Shore Muddy floodwaters from severe rains inundated streets, pushed homes off their foundations, swallowed vehicles and prompted evacuation orders for thousands of residents in towns north of Honolulu on Friday as officials warned of the possible failure of a 120-year-old dam. Emergency sirens blared along Oahu’s North Shore, where rising waters damaged homes in a community world-renowned for its surfing. Honolulu officials told residents Friday morning to leave the area downstream of Wahiawa dam — long known to be vulnerable — saying it was “at risk of imminent failure.” More than 230 people were rescued as heavy rains pummeled the Hawaiian island of Oahu and triggered the worst flooding the island has seen in 20 years, inflicting what the governor said could top $1 billion in damage. Water levels have been receding at the dam that authorities warned could fail but that could change if more rain falls. In less than 24 hours, water at the dam went from 79 feet to 84 feet — just six feet shy of what it can handle, authorities said. No deaths were reported and no one was unaccounted for, Gov. Josh Green said at a news conference. About 10 people were taken to a hospital with hypothermia, he said. Crews searched by air and by water for people who had been stranded — efforts that were hampered by people flying personal drones to get images of the flooding, he said. Dozens — if not hundreds — of homes had been damaged but officials have not been able to fully assess the destruction, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said in an afternoon news conference. Some 5,500 people were under evacuation orders. “There’s no question that the damage done thus far has been catastrophic,” he said.#hawaii #wahiawa_dam #oahu #dole_food_company #honolulu
Spring Weather Continues Sunday Lafayette, La. – Sunday will bring a mix of sun and clouds, with temperatures gradually rising into the mid-70s by lunchtime and nearing 80 degrees by afternoon. Winds will be gusty at times, with some gusts exceeding 20 mph. Pollen levels and the UV index remain high, so it’s advisable to take allergy medication and apply sunscreen. Despite the weather, it will be a pleasant day for outdoor activities like swimming or grilling. The night before will be cool and damp, with partly cloudy skies. Patchy fog is expected to develop after midnight, and low temperatures will drop to around 60 degrees. Looking ahead, the week will see a slight warming trend, with temperatures reaching the mid-80s by Friday. Sun and clouds will continue to mix through the afternoon, accompanied by breezy conditions. Rain is not expected until Saturday afternoon, when a few showers may return to the forecast. Catastrophic flash flooding on Oahu forced more than 5,500 evacuations and pushed the 120-year-old Wahiawa Dam to dangerous levels on Friday. While the dam has since receded, evacuation orders remain in place due to the potential for additional rainfall. As crude oil prices have surged, the costs of refined products such as diesel and jet fuel have also risen sharply, creating pressure on various market sectors.#crude_oil_prices #lafayette_la #wahiawa_dam #oahu #dam
