Hawaii hit by devastating floods as thousands forced to flee

A building collapsed in high muddy floodwaters (Photo: BBC news)

International News, Latest News

March 22, 2026

Hawaii hit by devastating floods as thousands forced to flee

Hawaii remains under a statewide flood watch after a powerful storm swept across the islands, prompting evacuation orders.

According to BBC News, officials have warned that the threat of flash flooding remains high on Oahu and in parts of Maui County, with Governor Josh Green warning that conditions could deteriorate quickly.

The storm is the second severe weather system to hit the archipelago in the past week, worsening already saturated conditions. Some areas have recorded between 40 and 50 inches (127cm) of rain over the last 10 days, with forecasts suggesting Oahu could receive a further four to six inches, while parts of Maui may see an additional four to 12 inches.

“Don’t take this storm lightly,” Green said in a video statement. He added that no deaths had been reported, although there have been a small number of serious injuries.

A state programme has been activated to help displaced residents access discounted hotel accommodation.

BBC News reports that the governor also warned that saturated ground means even modest rainfall could trigger flooding, road closures and further damage.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said the damage could exceed US$1bn (£745m), with more than 230 people rescued as of Friday.

Authorities have also warned that a dam on Oahu, the state’s most populous island, is at risk of failure. Blangiardi urged residents to stay safe and take the situation seriously, while praising emergency workers.

Rising floodwaters have lifted homes and vehicles, with evacuation orders issued for about 5,500 people north of Honolulu. Roads have been closed across several islands.

The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management has issued multiple flash flood warnings, urging residents to move to higher ground and avoid flooded areas. Flood watches are also in place for Maui, Molokai and the Big Island.

BBC News says Governor Green described the storm as having “serious consequences” for the state, damaging airports, schools, roads, hospitals and homes. He called it the largest flood event Hawaii has experienced in two decades.

Meteorologists say the islands are being affected by a “Kona Low”, a slow-moving low-pressure system that draws in warm, moisture-rich air, bringing heavy rain and flash flooding. Some areas have recorded more than 10 inches of rain, with winds reaching up to 100mph (160km/h).

The storm is the latest natural disaster to hit Hawaii, following the 2023 Lahaina wildfires, which killed more than 100 people.