In brief
Hawaii is currently facing severe flooding, the worst in 20 years, following heavy rainfall that has prompted widespread evacuations. Over 5,500 residents have been warned to leave their homes on the island of Oahu, while officials report substantial rainfall across the state, leading to significant damage and potential risks of dam failures. Authorities are urging residents to take the threat seriously and move to higher ground as safety measures are activated statewide.
Hawaii remains under a statewide flood watch after a severe storm hit the state and prompted officials to order evacuations.
The potential for flash floods threatens the island of Oahu and parts of Maui County, Governor Josh Green stated on Saturday.
The storm that struck this weekend is the second severe weather event to hit the archipelago in the last week.
Some parts of the state have received 40 to 50 inches (127 cm) of rain in the last 10 days, according to Green. Oahu could receive four to six more inches, while parts of Maui may experience between four to 12 inches, he said.
Don't take this storm lightly, Green warned in a video statement. Although no deaths have been reported, there have been a few serious injuries.
The state has activated a program for those displaced by the storm that allows them to get discounted hotel rates.
In a subsequent post, the governor warned that, because the ground had already been saturated by earlier rainfall, it will take much less rain to trigger flooding, road closures, and damage.
The damage from the storms could exceed $1 billion (£745 million), according to Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi.
More than 230 people have been rescued so far, according to Blangiardi's statements at a news conference.
Authorities have warned that a dam in Oahu, the state's most populous island, is at risk of collapsing. Blangiardi urged residents to stay safe and take the storm as seriously as you can.
Rising floodwaters have lifted homes and cars, triggering evacuation orders for approximately 5,500 residents north of Honolulu. Roads have been closed across the islands as a precaution.
The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management has issued multiple flash flood warnings and urged residents to move to higher ground, avoiding flooded areas.
Flood watch warnings have also been issued for Maui, Molokai, and The Big Island.
Governor Green has stated that the storm might have serious consequences for us as a state, due to severe damage to critical infrastructure such as airports, schools, and hospitals, alongside homes.
He described the situation as the largest flood that we've had in Hawaii in 20 years during a recent news conference.
The hurricane is part of a Kona Low, which pulls in warm, moisture-rich air across the Hawaiian islands, resulting in heavy rain and flash flooding.
This storm represents yet another challenge for the islands, which are still recovering from the devastating wildfires in Lahaina that left over 100 people dead.
