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, as Governor Josh Green warned on Saturday. The storm that struck over the weekend is the second severe weather event to hit the archipelago in just a week. Some regions have reported 40 to 50 inches of rainfall over the last ten days, with more expected; Oahu could see an additional four to six inches, while parts of Maui County might face between four to twelve inches.
Don't take this storm lightly, Green cautioned in a video statement, noting that while no deaths have been reported, there were some serious injuries. The state has activated a program to assist displaced residents by offering discounted hotel rates. Due to saturated ground from previous rains, the governor highlighted that a much smaller amount of rain could now trigger flooding, road closures, and damage.
The financial impact of the storms is expected to exceed $1 billion, according to Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. So far, over 230 individuals have been rescued, with authorities expressing concern over a dam's potential collapse in Oahu. Residents have been urged to take precautions and seek safety as floodwaters have inundated homes and vehicles, leading to evacuation orders for around 5,500 people north of Honolulu.
Multiple flash flood warnings have been issued, and it is advised for residents to move to higher ground while avoiding flooded areas. Flood watch warnings are also in effect for Maui, Molokai, and The Big Island. Governor Green has emphasized the extensive damage to airports, schools, roads, and hospitals, highlighting the current event as the state’s most severe flooding in 20 years.
The island currently grapples with the effects of a 'Kona Low', a weather phenomenon that pulls in warm, moist air, resulting in heavy rainfall and flash floods. The storms are a new challenge for Hawaii, already dealing with the aftermath of devastating wildfires in Lahaina last year.
Don't take this storm lightly, Green cautioned in a video statement, noting that while no deaths have been reported, there were some serious injuries. The state has activated a program to assist displaced residents by offering discounted hotel rates. Due to saturated ground from previous rains, the governor highlighted that a much smaller amount of rain could now trigger flooding, road closures, and damage.
The financial impact of the storms is expected to exceed $1 billion, according to Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. So far, over 230 individuals have been rescued, with authorities expressing concern over a dam's potential collapse in Oahu. Residents have been urged to take precautions and seek safety as floodwaters have inundated homes and vehicles, leading to evacuation orders for around 5,500 people north of Honolulu.
Multiple flash flood warnings have been issued, and it is advised for residents to move to higher ground while avoiding flooded areas. Flood watch warnings are also in effect for Maui, Molokai, and The Big Island. Governor Green has emphasized the extensive damage to airports, schools, roads, and hospitals, highlighting the current event as the state’s most severe flooding in 20 years.
The island currently grapples with the effects of a 'Kona Low', a weather phenomenon that pulls in warm, moist air, resulting in heavy rainfall and flash floods. The storms are a new challenge for Hawaii, already dealing with the aftermath of devastating wildfires in Lahaina last year.
