Storm Causes Minimal Damage on Big Island

County and state offices, schools, and universities reopen after weather-related closures.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A storm with strong winds and heavy rainfall hit the Big Island over the weekend, but the damage was minimal according to Hawaii County Civil Defense. All evacuation shelters have closed, and while some areas saw over 10 inches of rain, the public is being urged to remain cautious as the ground remains saturated and there is potential for localized flooding and landslides.

Why it matters

Hawaii's Big Island is prone to severe weather events, and this storm serves as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and response efforts to minimize damage and ensure public safety. The storm's impact on the region's drought conditions is also noteworthy.

The details

The storm caused a landslide that closed a section of the Hawaii Belt Road for a few hours, and there were some power outages due to fallen trees. However, there was only one report of a garage flooding and a sinkhole forming in a residential yard. County and state offices, schools, and universities have reopened after being closed on Monday.

  • The storm hit the Big Island over the weekend.
  • A landslide closed Hawaii Belt Road on Saturday evening during heavy rainfall.
  • As of Monday afternoon, a high-wind advisory was in effect until 6 p.m. that day.
  • County and state offices, schools, and universities are set to reopen on Tuesday after weather-related closures on Monday.
  • All four evacuation shelters closed at noon on Monday.

The players

Bill Hanson

An administrative officer for Hawaii County Civil Defense.

Kimo Alameda

The mayor of Hawaii County.

Derek Wroe

A forecaster for the National Weather Service in Honolulu.

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What they’re saying

“It looks like we may have dodged a bullet. It could have been a lot worse.”

— Bill Hanson, Administrative officer, Hawaii County Civil Defense (hawaiitribune-herald.com)

“While the forecast shows storm impacts diminishing today, there is still a potential for localized flooding and strong winds. As we prepare to return to normal operations ... the public should continue to exercise caution and stay off the roads unless necessary.”

— Kimo Alameda, Mayor, Hawaii County (hawaiitribune-herald.com)

“It's not how you want to get your rain, right? But it will lead to some improvement in the drought conditions. Unfortunately, when the rain comes down that quickly, a lot of it is going to run off, so it's not the ideal way to get rain to make up for drought deficits. But there will be some improvement coming from that.”

— Derek Wroe, Forecaster, National Weather Service in Honolulu (hawaiitribune-herald.com)

What’s next

The county is gathering information on assistance needed and property damage sustained from the storm. Those needing assistance should complete a Request for Assistance on the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency website.

The takeaway

This storm serves as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and response efforts in Hawaii, where severe weather events can cause significant damage. While the impact was minimal this time, the potential for localized flooding and landslides underscores the need for residents to remain vigilant and heed official warnings.