Hawaii remains under a statewide flood watch after a powerful storm system battered the islands, forcing evacuations and prompting widespread emergency responses across the archipelago.
Governor Josh Green warned residents on Saturday that the risk of flash flooding remains high, particularly on Oahu and parts of Maui County.
The severe weather system is the second major storm to hit the islands within a week. Officials say some areas have already recorded between 40 and 50 inches of rainfall over the past 10 days, leaving the ground dangerously saturated.
“Don’t take this storm lightly,” Green said in a video statement, noting that although there have been no reported deaths, several people have sustained serious injuries.
Forecasters warned that Oahu could still receive another four to six inches of rain, while parts of Maui may see between four and 12 inches more in the coming days.
Emergency crews have already carried out more than 230 rescues, according to Rick Blangiardi, as rising floodwaters submerged roads, lifted vehicles and damaged homes. Evacuation orders have affected roughly 5,500 residents north of the capital city, Honolulu.
Authorities also raised concerns about a dam on Oahu that could potentially fail under the pressure of rising waters.
Blangiardi urged residents to remain vigilant and heed safety warnings. “Stay safe and take the storm as seriously as you can,” he said during a news conference, while also praising emergency responders working across the islands.
The storm has already caused significant disruption to infrastructure, damaging airports, schools, roads and hospitals. Officials estimate the total damage could exceed $1 billion.
State authorities have activated assistance programs for displaced residents, including discounted hotel rates for those forced to evacuate their homes.
Emergency management officials continue to warn residents to move to higher ground and avoid flooded areas. Flash flood alerts remain in effect for multiple islands including Maui, Molokai and the Big Island.
Meteorologists say the dangerous conditions are being driven by a “Kona Low,” a slow-moving low-pressure system that pulls warm, moisture-rich air across the Hawaiian islands, often bringing heavy rainfall and flash flooding.
Governor Green described the event as the most severe flooding Hawaii has experienced in two decades, warning that the impacts could be long-lasting for communities already recovering from recent disasters such as the 2023 Lahaina wildfires.
