Hawaii’s back-to-back storms have caused an estimated $1 billion in damage after dumping up to 50 inches of rain on parts of the state, submerging streets and homes in brown floodwaters.
Governor Josh Green reported rescues of stranded residents, including camps and people adrift on ocean debris. The White House is coordinating with state officials, whom Green described as “very supportive.”
Officials called this the worst flooding since 2004. While some evacuation orders on Oahu were lifted Sunday morning, threats persisted elsewhere. Maui’s Kuihelani Highway briefly closed due to fast-moving water, and rockfalls disrupted other roads.
The 120-year-old Wahiawa Dam on Oahu remains under National Guard watch after fears it might overflow prompted evacuations. Water levels have since stabilized.
A Wahiawa resident named Mikey recounted waking to chest-deep water rushing into his home: “We’ve lost everything.”
Actor Jason Momoa confirmed his family evacuated their North Shore Oahu home, describing conditions as “gnarly” and expressing concern for others affected.