Hawaii's Severe Flooding Leaves Thousands Without Power

Mon Mar 23 2026 12:46:02 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Over 2,000 people in Hawaii face power outages after severe flooding, the worst in over 20 years, caused by heavy rains impacting already saturated soils.

In the aftermath of the worst flooding Hawaii has seen in over two decades, over 2,000 residents remain without power, primarily on Oahu's North Shore. The heavy rains, exacerbated by a previous winter storm, have caused extensive damage estimated to exceed $1 billion. Rescue operations have been critical, with over 200 individuals saved from rising waters. While some power has been restored, a boil water notice persists in affected areas as officials monitor further weather developments and assess ongoing risks.

More than 2,000 residents remained without power Sunday afternoon following Hawaii's worst flooding in over 20 years, caused by a wave of heavy rains across the islands. The downpour struck on already saturated soil from a winter storm that hit just a week prior.

This series of events led to devastating river surges, lifting both homes and vehicles off their foundations, with officials estimating damages close to $1 billion. Over 5,500 people were initially under evacuation orders in northern Honolulu, which were later lifted. Remarkably, no fatalities have been reported, according to Molly Pierce from Oahu’s Department of Emergency Management.

As of Sunday afternoon, Hawaiian Electric had restored power to approximately 1,200 residents in Waialua on Oahu's North Shore. Due to the flooding, electrical services were intentionally cut off on Friday as a precaution.

Recovery efforts are ongoing, with Hawaiian Electric anticipating the restoration of power to an additional 2,000 residents later Sunday. On Maui, about 100 people continue to face outages, and Hawaii Island reports have indicated that all major outages have been resolved.

Matthew Foster, a meteorologist, has indicated that the worst of the storm seems to have passed. Rainfall is expected to decrease to less than 5 inches on Hawaii Island and between 1 to 2 inches in other regions. However, there remains a risk for isolated flooding as conditions stabilize.

Hawaii's residents continue to experience precautions such as a boil water notice for areas from Mokuleia to Turtle Bay, with officials urging citizens to report any damages. Governor Josh Green estimates the total cost of the storm's impact to be over $1 billion, affecting infrastructure including airports, schools, and homes.

In a critical update, worries surrounding the 120-year-old Wahiawa dam have subsided as water levels are currently receding. Monitoring efforts will be maintained. Experts attribute the intensity and frequency of these weather events to climate change implications.