Severe Flooding in Hawaii Forces Thousands to Evacuate Amid Crisis

Sat Mar 21 2026 19:00:43 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Hawaii is experiencing its worst flooding in 20 years, prompting significant evacuations and emergency responses as heavy rains continue across the islands.

Hawaii's recent flooding has led to evacuation orders affecting approximately 5,500 residents, as authorities assess damage that may surpass $1 billion. With multiple rescues performed and flash flood warnings issued, officials urge residents to seek higher ground amid ongoing threats from rising waters. Governor Josh Green highlights the storm's severe impact on infrastructure and communities, describing it as the largest in two decades.

Thousands of people in Hawaii have been told to evacuate their homes as the US state suffered its worst flooding in decades.

It is the second severe storm to hit the archipelago in the last week, causing damage that could exceed $1 billion (£745m), according to Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi.

More than 230 people have been rescued so far, Blangiardi told a news conference on Friday. Heavy rains continued to fall on the archipelago in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The authorities warned that a dam in Oahu, the state's most populous island, was at risk of collapse. Blangiardi urged residents to stay safe and take the storm as seriously as you can.

Speaking at the news conference, Governor Josh Green said there had been no reported fatalities in the storms, and praised the emergency workers working to keep people safe.

Rising floodwaters lifted homes and cars and triggered evacuation orders for some 5,500 people north of the state's capital city, Honolulu. Roads have been closed across the islands.

Honolulu Department of Emergency Management has issued multiple flash flood warnings and urged residents to move to higher ground and avoid flooded areas.

Flood watch warnings have also been issued for Maui, Molokai and The Big Island.

Green stated the storm would have serious consequences as it had caused enormous damage to airports, schools, roads, and hospitals, as well as people's homes.

This is the largest flood that we've had in Hawaii in 20 years, he told the news conference.

The island is currently gripped by a Kona Low, a slow-moving area of low pressure that pulls in warm, moisture-rich air across the Hawaiian islands, bringing heavy rain and flash flooding.

Some areas have seen more than 10 inches (25cm) of rainfall and winds of up to 100mph (160km/h).

The storm is the latest challenge for the island, which frequently faces the fallout of natural disasters, including the devastating 2023 Lahaina wildfires.