Historic Hawaii Floods Leave 2,000 Without Power

Heavy rains and flooding cause over $1 billion in damages across the islands.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 1:42am

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More than 2,000 people in Hawaii remained without power on Sunday after the state suffered its worst flooding in over 20 years. Heavy rains fell on already saturated soil, causing raging waters that lifted homes and cars. The storm prompted evacuation orders for 5,500 people and led to over 200 rescues, though no deaths have been reported. Crews continue to assess the damage and make repairs, with Hawaiian Electric expecting to restore power to 2,000 more people later on Sunday.

Why it matters

The intense flooding in Hawaii highlights the growing threat of extreme weather events driven by climate change. Experts say the frequency and intensity of heavy rains in the state have increased due to human-caused global warming. This storm has caused over $1 billion in damages, underscoring the significant economic and infrastructure impacts of such natural disasters.

The details

The heavy rains fell on soil already saturated by downpours from a winter storm a week earlier. The raging floodwaters lifted homes and cars, causing an expected $1 billion in damages. The storm prompted evacuation orders for 5,500 people north of Honolulu, though they were later lifted. More than 200 people were rescued from the rising waters. By Sunday afternoon, Hawaiian Electric had restored power to about 1,200 people in Waialua on the North Shore of O'ahu, and crews continued to assess damage and make repairs.

  • The heavy rains fell on soil already saturated by downpours from a winter storm a week ago.
  • The storm prompted evacuation orders for 5,500 people north of Honolulu on Friday.
  • By Sunday afternoon, Hawaiian Electric had restored power to about 1,200 people in Waialua on the North Shore of O'ahu.
  • Hawaiian Electric expects to return power to 2,000 more people later on Sunday.

The players

Molly Pierce

Spokesperson for Oahu's Department of Emergency Management.

Matthew Foster

Hawaii meteorologist.

Josh Green

Governor of Hawaii.

Hawaiian Electric

The electric utility company serving Hawaii.

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What they’re saying

“No deaths have been reported as of yet.”

— Molly Pierce, Spokesperson for Oahu's Department of Emergency Management

“The worst of the storms appear to be over.”

— Matthew Foster, Hawaii meteorologist

“The cost of the storm could top $1 billion, including damage to airports, schools, roads, homes and a Maui hospital in Kula.”

— Josh Green, Governor of Hawaii

What’s next

Officials continue to monitor the 120-year-old Wahiawa dam, though the worry about it failing has primarily passed since water levels have dropped.

The takeaway

The historic flooding in Hawaii underscores the growing threat of extreme weather events driven by climate change. This storm has caused over $1 billion in damages, highlighting the significant economic and infrastructure impacts that communities must be prepared to address as these types of natural disasters become more frequent and severe.