Hawaii faces its worst flooding in 20 years from two back-to-back kona storms (rare winter cyclones) in March 2026, causing massive damage, rescues, and evacuations amid risks to a 120-year-old dam.
Flood Impacts
Back-to-back systems dumped 4+ feet of rain since March 10, with rates up to 4 inches/hour; Kaukonahua Stream rose 10.5+ feet. A Mokuleia home split and swept to the beach; Makaha Valley road collapsed, sending cars over the edge—no deaths reported.
Dam Crisis
March 20 emergency evacuation of thousands from Haleʻiwa and Waialua (north Oahu) due to “imminent failure” risk at private Wahiawa Dam (1906, poor condition, high hazard) near Schofield Barracks. Roads threatened; no breach, but assembly points set up.
Response and Outlook
Gov. Josh Green: Worst since 2004 Manoa Flood ($85M damage); current toll nears $1B (homes, roads, schools, airports, Maui hospital). 200 rescued, 10 hospitalized for hypothermia. Flood watch statewide through March 22; NWS warns of ongoing thunderstorms. Kona lows rarely hit twice monthly.
