Honolulu officials warn Wahiawa Dam imminent failure, evacuations and power shutoffs underway

Honolulu officials declared a state of emergency as the Wahiawa Dam reached an imminent failure point.

“[](https://eturbonews”

Eturbonews

At 8:34 a.m. HST on March 19, 2026, city officials issued a dire HNL Alert stating the dam failure was "in progress or expected."

Fine Day 102.3

Honolulu emergency management issued a "LEAVE NOW" evacuation order at 5:35 a.m. for Waialua and Haleiwa.

The 120-year-old dam serves Honolulu and is the third-largest in the archipelago.

The dam had reached critical breaking points due to relentless rainfall from the stalled Kona low system.

Water levels threatened to send catastrophic floodwaters downstream along waterways including Kaukonahua Stream, Poamoho Stream, and Anahulu River.

As the emergency escalated, Hawaiian Electric implemented proactive power shutoffs affecting thousands of residents.

Officials reported that nearly 6,800 customers statewide were without power.

FOX 13 Seattle

Approximately 4,200 customers were in the evacuation areas on Oahu's North Shore.

The utility company de-energized significant portions of the North Shore grid.

Hawaiian Electric officials stated that once evacuation orders are lifted, crews would need to inspect infrastructure before restoring power.

The restoration process would take around four hours barring major repairs.

This preventative measure followed widespread infrastructure damage including washed-out roads, downed trees, and power lines.

Emergency shelters across Oahu rapidly filled with evacuees as families were displaced by rising floodwaters.

“Heavy rainfall has created hazardous flooding that has overwhelmed roadways, submerged cars, and created treacherous conditions with murky, debris-filled water”

Fine Day 102.3

At Wahiawa District Park, which opened early in the morning, residents described dramatic scenes including cars floating away.

One couple reported watching their car being swept away, while another resident was awakened at 3 a.m. by emergency crews.

The storm's impact differed from previous Kona lows, with shelters typically occupied by the homeless population now filled with families.

Schools including Leilehua High School and Nānākuli High School transitioned into emergency shelters.

Principal Christine Udarbé noted they were preparing to receive additional busloads of evacuees.

The catastrophic flooding resulted from an intense Kona low weather system that dumped 20 inches of rain.

Kona lows are unusual low-pressure systems that reverse winds across the Hawaiian islands, causing heavy rainfall.

Jagranjosh

The National Weather Service confirmed reports of the dam reaching a critical breaking point.

Flash flood warnings were extended until 9 p.m. on March 19.

Forecasters noted severe ponding of water would be possible over select areas.

Additional bands of moderate to locally heavy showers were expected through the evening.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green confirmed the seriousness of the situation, stating the storm was very severe in the north of Oahu.

Emergency response efforts intensified as the situation deteriorated.

“Oahu remains under flash flood warning as threat of heavy rain persists UPDATE: 11:55 p”

Honolulu Star-Advertiser

The National Guard and Honolulu Fire Department conducted rescue operations.

Municipios Puebla

Rescuers went door-to-door through communities to ensure no one was left behind.

Emergency sirens blared along Oahu's famed North Shore.

The National Guard airlifted 72 children and adults who had been attending a spring break youth camp.

At least 10 people were hospitalized for hypothermia due to exposure to floodwaters.

While no fatalities were reported, the flooding caused significant damage including vehicles and homes being swept away.

Authorities remained concerned about the aging dam structure that had stood for 120 years.