Hawaii suffered its worst flooding in 20 years, causing at least $1 billion in damage.
A series of powerful Kona Lows—seasonal subtropical cyclones with very heavy rainfall—moved through Hawaii, particularly the islands of Oahu and Maui. This resulted in the worst flooding in 20 years, according to Air Force
The main blows of the elements were delivered in two stages: the first powerful storm swept through on March 13–16, and the second wave hit the region on March 19–22.
Kona lows are a special type of cyclone found in the Hawaiian region. The name comes from the word "Kona," a Hawaiian term for a southerly or southwesterly wind direction, distinct from the typical trade winds, which blow from the northeast. A Kona low is an area of low pressure that forms southwest of Hawaii and brings prolonged heavy rains, thunderstorms, gusty winds, as well as flooding and landslides. Unlike typical Hawaiian weather, where rainfall is often brief, these cyclones can linger over the region for several days, resulting in abnormally high rainfall. These systems often cause the most severe flooding on the islands.
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On the island of Oahu, especially on the north coast (Waialua, Haleiwa, Mokuleia areas), catastrophic floods occurred: water washed away houses and cars, flooded roads, farms and residential areas.
The threat of the Wahiawa Dam breach led to mass evacuations: up to 10,000 people were temporarily evacuated. Rescuers conducted nearly 300 rescues, pulling people from flooded homes, cars, and other locations.
Damage is already estimated at more than $1 billion: roads, schools, airports, residential buildings, a hospital on Maui, and other facilities were damaged.
On this island, more than a meter of rain fell in places over several days, while on Oahu, from 20 to 50 centimeters fell in short periods of time.
"People were cut off by the water. The Coast Guard rescued many of the victims from the debris washed into the ocean," said Hawaii Governor Josh Green.
Authorities say this is the worst flooding in the state since 2004.
On the morning of March 22 local time, some evacuation and flash flood warnings began to be lifted on Oahu, but the threat remained in other areas.
A section of the Kuihelanii Highway on Maui was temporarily closed overnight due to rapidly rising waters, the Hawaii Department of Transportation reported. Traffic has now been restored.
On March 21, rockfalls occurred on other roads on the island.
"Don't try to drive through deep water," the governor warned.
Green warned that Maui County is expected to see rainfall in the coming days, so inter-island boating should be avoided.
The Hawaii National Guard continues to man the 120-year-old Wahiawa Dam to monitor water levels, which stabilized over the weekend.
Mikey and his wife, residents of Wahiawa, Oahu, were awakened by floodwaters just after midnight on March 21.
"Around 00:30 a.m., I woke up and saw the floor was wet. When I opened the bedroom door, water gushed in," he said.
According to him, the elements “took down the fence, knocked down the door and burst into the house.”
After dawn, he noticed, the great water began to recede gradually, and firefighters soon arrived.
"We lost everything. The water rose to chest level," he stated.
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Actor Jason Momoa, known for his work on the TV series "Game of Thrones" and the film "Aquaman," said his family had to evacuate their home on Oahu's north shore.
"We're safe for now, but many aren't so lucky. We're trying to support everyone who's been affected. The situation on the northern coast is very dire," he emphasized.
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