Kona Low Storm Causes Catastrophic Flooding on Oahu as Officials Issue Warnings

A powerful Kona low storm system has unleashed unprecedented rainfall and extreme weather conditions across Hawaii.

“It appears you are attempting to access this website from a country outside of the United States, therefore access cannot be granted at this time”

104.5 WOKV

Oahu is experiencing catastrophic flooding described as the worst in over 20 years.

104.5 WOKV

The storm produced hurricane-force wind gusts of 135 mph on Hawaii island and rainfall totals as high as 62 inches in parts of Maui.

These figures are more typical of major tropical cyclones than Kona storms according to University of Hawaii's Hawaii Mesonet weather network data.

One monitoring station recorded 36 inches of rainfall in a 24-hour period on Haleakala, exceeding estimates for a so-called 1,000-year storm event.

The relentless downpours have overwhelmed drainage systems and waterways across the North Shore and Central Oahu regions.

Emergency officials have issued urgent evacuation orders for more than 4,000 residents downstream of the 120-year-old Wahiawa Dam.

The dam came within six feet of overflowing and potentially failing during the height of the downpour.

ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Honolulu officials issued a 'LEAVE NOW' evacuation order at 5:35 a.m. Friday for Waialua and Haleiwa.

The warning stated 'extremely dangerous flooding and Wahiawa Dam is high.'

Residents described chest-high floodwaters and emergency sirens blaring along Oahu's North Shore.

Rising waters damaged homes in the community world-renowned for its surfing.

Water levels at the 90-feet-deep dam increased by five feet in just five and a half hours.

Emergency crews have conducted over 230 rescues since the start of the storm.

“Honolulu officials told residents at 5:35 a”

ABC7 Los Angeles

Thirty-seven people were rescued in just the hour before a recent news briefing.

The Hawaii National Guard has been activated with 195 soldiers and airmen responding.

Guard personnel airlifted about 70 children and adults from a youth camp on Oahu's west coast.

Damage estimates have reached $1 billion and continue to climb.

Homes, roads, schools, airports and a Maui hospital have all been impacted.

A shelter at Waialua High and Intermediate School lost power and had to be evacuated.

About 185 people and 50 pets were moved to another evacuation center.

No confirmed deaths or missing persons were reported as of Friday afternoon.

Officials remain extremely concerned about ongoing weather conditions and recovery challenges.

Rainfall rates have temporarily decreased but significant runoff continues to produce dangerous flooding.

Anadolu Agency

Forecasters expect additional rainfall through the weekend.

Projections indicate six to eight more inches of rain will fall between Friday and Sunday.

Additional precipitation will exacerbate already saturated ground conditions.

Risks of further flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage remain high.

Governor Josh Green stated the storm could cost over a billion dollars in damages.

Recovery efforts are expected to take weeks or months.

Crews are working to restore essential services like power and communications.