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Hawaii Flooded: Worst Storms in 20 Years
21 Mar
Summary
- Worst flooding in Hawaii in two decades occurred recently.
- Thousands evacuated on Oahu due to imminent dam failure risk.
- Damage from recent storms could reach $1 billion.
Hawaii experienced its most severe flooding in two decades following a series of powerful Kona storms in March 2026. These storms brought torrential rain and damaging winds, leading to widespread destruction across the islands.
On March 20, 2026, an emergency evacuation was ordered for thousands in northern Oahu due to the imminent risk of failure for a 120-year-old dam. Although the dam did not ultimately fail, the threat prompted evacuations in Haleʻiwa and Waialua.
Governor Josh Green described the situation as the worst since the early 2000s. While no fatalities or missing persons were reported, approximately 200 individuals were rescued, and some presented with hypothermia. The estimated damage from these storms could reach $1 billion.
A flood watch was in effect for the entire state through the afternoon of March 22, 2026, with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms continuing. The storms are a rare occurrence, with two kona lows forming within the same month, exacerbating the flooding and damage.
