Torrential Rain Causes Historic Flooding In Hawaii
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The beautiful islands of Hawaii are reeling from their worst flooding in more than two decades. From early to mid-March, powerful rainstorms swept across the islands, drenching communities with record rainfall and causing flash floods. The brunt of the storms was felt on Maui and Oahu, though impacts were reported across all five islands.
The heavy rain first began around March 13, when a strong Kona low moved over the islands. This seasonal storm system can bring heavy rain to Hawaii, especially when it lingers over the islands, as it did this year. By March 15, the rainfall intensified. Many areas on Oahu and Maui received 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) of rain over just two days. This is far above typical monthly totals. Soils became saturated, and streams and rivers surged to record levels.
On Oahu’s North Shore, thousands of residents were forced to evacuate as rising waters threatened homes. In some areas, the muddy floodwater even pushed houses off their foundations.
Meanwhile, on Maui, rising waters turned valleys and roads into fast‑moving, dangerous streams. Some low-lying areas were completely flooded, forcing residents to seek higher ground.
More than 230 people were rescued from floodwaters on Oahu and Maui. The storm also caused extensive damage to road and bridges on both islands. Across Hawaii, thousands of people were left without electricity at various points as flooding and high winds downed lines.
By March 21, 2026, the worst of the storm appeared to be over. As floodwaters recede, communities across Oahu and Maui are beginning the long process of recovery. Residents and volunteers are cleaning mud and debris from homes. Repair crews are working to restore roads and bridges. The American Red Cross and other nonprofits are providing food, shelter, and emotional support to those affected. Hawaii’s governor, Josh Green, estimates total damages could top $1 billion. This would make the storm one of the most destructive in the state’s history.
#StaystrongHawaii
Resources: NPR.com, Hawaiinewsnow.com, theGuardian.com, civilbeat.org
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75 Comments
jimisodogobi3 daysSo cool! and sad all at the same time.
flipz4 daysI hope they are ok
aurakiller725174 daysThat’s a large flood
fudgebrownie6 daysI went there for spring break it was raining so hard and flooding. Well, Honolulu, was not that bad.
hatsunemiku018 dayshawaii deserves a comeback
i_love_soccer298 daysgo Hawaii!!!!!!!!!!!!!!- i_love_soccer2910 daysI love how so many people care about Hawaii because I know it's really hard when they're going to because I've seen something like that happen before because the one time me and my family were in Tennessee and it was right before this huge hurricane and so we had to leave are vacation like 3 days early because there was this giant storm and we got trapped in it on the way home, it was so scary so I get what they're going through but I've never also heard of a flood like this in Hawaii, So I have heard of Hurricane Katrina and this looks a little bit like it. So please be all right Hawaii we all love you so much, Please please please be okay Soon!!
- i_love_soccer2910 days#And let's all pray that Hawaii is okay,
- i_love_soccer2910 daysit's probably my 4th after North Carolina, New jersey, and Tennessee. I think it would be favorite if I would've gone there, but now I can't go on vacation there which is so, so sad
- aurakiller7251711 daysNo that’s my 2nd favorite state
