Flood Watch Lingers as Evacuation Orders Lift in Hawaii
Evacuation Notices in Hawaii Lifted After Major Flooding
Evacuation notices in Hawaii have been lifted following a period of catastrophic flooding that prompted emergency alerts across parts of the state. However, flood watches remain in effect for most areas as of March 22. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for several islands, including Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, and the Big Island, indicating that heavy rainfall continues to pose a risk.
The recent flooding was described by authorities as the worst they have seen in two decades. Excessive rain led to torrents of water washing out homes, damaging roads, and threatening a 120-year-old dam. This situation triggered an emergency evacuation of thousands on Oahu on March 20. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency later clarified that while the dam had not failed, it was at “imminent risk of failure.”
Continued Risk and Evacuation Alerts
HaleÊ»iwa and Waialua experienced evacuations on March 21 after an alert warned that all roads out of the area were at risk of “imminent failure.” Fortunately, those alerts have since been lifted. Flash flood warnings were issued through the morning of March 22 in parts of Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe, with the warnings set to expire at 8:30 a.m. local time, according to the Honolulu National Weather Service office.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu has also warned of potential excessive rainfall and flash flooding later in the day. The forecast indicates that heavy rain and showers will continue through March 22 into the work week, affecting Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, and the Big Island.
Weather Forecast and Potential Impacts
“Significant flooding may occur due to the overflow of streams and drainages,” the weather service stated. “Roads in several areas may be closed, along with property damage in urban or low-lying spots due to runoff. Landslides may also occur in areas with steep terrain.” The forecast for March 22 includes rain showers and the possibility of a thunderstorm, with new rainfall amounts ranging from a quarter to half an inch.
Ongoing Monitoring and Preparedness
Despite the lifting of evacuation notices, residents are advised to remain vigilant and monitor updates from local authorities. The National Weather Service continues to track the situation closely, providing regular updates on the potential for further flooding and other weather-related hazards.
Residents in affected areas should take precautions, such as avoiding flooded roads, securing property, and staying informed about local weather conditions. Emergency management agencies are working to ensure that communities are prepared for any additional impacts from the ongoing storm system.
Key Areas Under Flood Watch
As of March 22, the following areas remain under a flood watch:
- Oahu
- Maui
- Molokai
- Lanai
- Kahoolawe
- Big Island
These regions are expected to experience continued heavy rainfall and the associated risks of flash flooding, road closures, and property damage. Residents are encouraged to stay updated through official channels and follow any additional instructions from local authorities.
Gov. Josh Green: ‘Make sure your family has a plan’
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said there have been no deaths or people unaccounted for during the flooding, USA TODAY previously reported, but called it the worst the state has seen since the early 2000s. Some 200 people have been rescued from the flooding and about 10 presented at hospitals with hypothermia, he said.
“This is a major threat to our people and to our state,” Green said at a news conference March 20.
Green said some areas of Hawaii received between 40 and 50 inches of rain in a March 21 update posted to X, adding that while storms are moving away from Oahu and over to Maui, 4 to 12 inches of rain are expected and could produce flooding.
“Don’t drive through heavy water, make sure that you’re kind of laying low…everyone please be safe,” Green warned in the post. “You’ve done a wonderful job. No loss of life so far, a few serious injuries, but don’t take this storm lightly. There’s still more storm force out there, though it does appear to finally be clearing somewhat on Oahu.”
Hotels are also available at discounted rates for residents needing to move locations, Green added in a second post on X, directing people to go to ready.hawaii.gov and call hotels directly to make reservations.
“Check on your neighbors and make sure your family has a plan,” Green wrote. “We will continue to provide updates throughout the day. Stay safe and take care of one another.”
March has seen series of severe storms in Hawaii
The flooding and rain are a result of a series of low pressure systems that have struck Hawaii throughout the month.
They’re a winter phenomenon, often called kona lows or kona storms, for the Hawaiian word “kona” for leeward. The winter storms typically impact the leeward side of the islands that are usually sheltered from tradewinds and intense rains, according to Steven Businger, a professor in the meteorology department at the University of Hawaii.
On average, one to two kona storms impact Hawaii during the November-to-March season, but it’s very rare for two to form within the same month, let alone within a week, AccuWeather meteorologists said.
The first round of storms impacted the islands from March 10 to March 16, and brought local rainfall totals of over 4 feet. These storms have raised water levels, with one stream rising more than 10 feet, spiking fears about flooding and the structure of aging dams and reservoirs in the state.
Damage from the March flooding could total $1 billion, Green said. That includes damage to numerous homes, roads, schools, airports and a hospital on Maui, he said. Flooding from the most recent batch of storms have swept away a house in Mokuleia and closed multiple roads in the state, part of a road in Makaha Valley on Oahu in both directions March 20 after part of it collapsed, sending vehicles over the edge, USA TODAY previously reported.
Contributing: Dinah Voyles Pulver and Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY
Kate Perez covers national trends and breaking news for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kperez@Bisakimiaco.com or on X @katecperez_.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Evacuation orders lifted, flood watch remains for much of Hawaii
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