Heavy Rainstorm Floods Hawaii, Leaving 2,000 Without Power and Over $1 Billion in Damage

Hawaii experienced historic flooding in what officials described as the worst flood in two decades.

“Here’s what to know as the scope of damage from Hawaii’s floods becomes clearer Here’s what to know as the scope of damage from Hawaii’s floods becomes clearer HONOLULU (AP) — The worst flooding to hit Hawaii in two decades swept homes off their foundations, floated cars out of driveways and left floors, walls and counters covered in thick, reddish volcanic mud”

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Governor Josh Green reported that over 230 people were rescued from homes and towns across the state.

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Large portions of Hawaii and Maui were under water according to state officials.

The storms, known as Kona lows or kona storms, are low-pressure weather systems that typically form in winter months.

Thousands were forced to evacuate their homes and power was knocked out for customers across the islands.

The flooding began late last week and continued into the weekend according to meteorological reports.

The evacuation situation escalated dramatically when fears arose over the structural integrity of the 120-year-old Wahiawa Dam on Oahu's North Shore.

At one point, 5,500 people in Awaialua and Haleiwa were ordered to evacuate over concerns that the dam might burst.

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Governor Green warned that if water levels surpassed 90 feet, the 130-year-old dam could collapse.

Water levels soared to 85 feet early Friday, triggering the evacuation warnings.

Water levels began receding as the storm shifted east toward Maui, allowing residents to return to their homes by Saturday afternoon.

Though the immediate threat of failure has passed, authorities continue to monitor the dam as flash flood warnings persisted.

The economic and infrastructural damage from the storms is estimated to exceed $1 billion.

“- Today - Holidays - Birthdays - Reminders - Cities - Atlanta - Austin - Baltimore - Berwyn - Beverly Hills - Birmingham - Boston - Brooklyn - Buffalo - Charlotte - Chicago - Cincinnati - Cleveland - Columbus - Dallas - Denver - Detroit - Fort Worth - Houston - Indianapolis - Knoxville - Las Vegas - Los Angeles - Louisville - Madison - Memphis - Miami - Milwaukee - Minneapolis - Nashville - New Orleans - New York - Omaha - Orlando - Philadelphia - Phoenix - Pittsburgh - Portland - Raleigh - Richmond - Rutherford - Sacramento - Salt Lake City - San Antonio - San Diego - San Francisco - San Jose - Seattle - Tampa - Tucson - Washington Historic Hawaii Floods Leave 2,000 Without Power Heavy rains and flooding cause over $1 billion in damages across the islands”

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Extensive harm occurred to Hawaii's critical infrastructure including airports, schools, roads, homes, and a Maui hospital in Kula.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi noted that dozens, if not hundreds, of homes were damaged.

Officials have not been able to fully assess the destruction yet according to Blangiardi.

Blangiardi acknowledged that many residents' lives would be significantly upended by the disaster.

Public schools were expected to resume operations Monday, though some campuses would remain closed.

Despite the catastrophic damage, officials reported a fortunate outcome with no deaths recorded from the severe flooding.

Molly Pierce, spokesperson for Oahu's Department of Emergency Management, confirmed that 'No deaths have been reported as of yet' as of Sunday afternoon.

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Hawaii Electric worked to restore power to the remaining 2,000 customers who were still without electricity later on Sunday.

Governor Green emphasized that recovery efforts continue across the islands as state and county crews assess damage.

The storms are part of a 'very wet pattern' affecting the state according to meteorological assessments.

This was the second severe storm less than two weeks to strike Hawaii.