Hawaii storms have caused $1bn in damage, governor says

March 22, 2026

Hawaii experienced severe flooding from two consecutive storms that dumped up to 50 inches of rain on parts of the state, particularly affecting the island of Oahu. Officials estimate damages have reached approximately $1 billion, making this the worst flooding event since 2004, though remarkably no fatalities have been reported. Emergency responders rescued over 230 people from floodwaters, trapped camps, and ocean debris, while authorities ordered evacuations near the historic Wahiawa dam due to overflow concerns.

Who is affected

More than 230 people who required rescue
Residents of Oahu, particularly those near the Wahiawa dam who were ordered to evacuate
Mikey and his wife, Wahiawa residents who lost everything to floodwaters
Jason Momoa and his family who evacuated from the North Shore of Oahu
Residents of Maui County
Motorists and boaters throughout the state

What action is being taken

The Hawaii National Guard is stationed at the Wahiawa dam monitoring water levels
Officials are standing down some evacuation and flash flood warnings on Oahu
The White House is in contact with Governor Green's office
Emergency responders and the Coast Guard are conducting rescues
Officials are assessing the full scope of damages

Why it matters

This is Hawaii's worst flooding event since 2004, with $1 billion in damages already estimated and significant infrastructure impacts across multiple islands. The scale of destruction has displaced residents, destroyed homes and property, and required large-scale emergency response efforts. The ongoing threat of additional heavy rainfall and potential dam overflow poses continued risk to public safety and could increase the damage toll further.

What's next

Maui County is expecting 8 to 10 inches of additional rain over the next couple of days
Officials will continue assessing the full scope of damages
Water levels at the Wahiawa dam will continue to be monitored

Read full article from source: BBC