Historic Hawaii Floods Leave 2,000 Without Power

Raging waters lifted homes and cars, causing nearly $1 billion in damages.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 2:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

More than 2,000 people remained without power Sunday afternoon after Hawaii suffered its worst flooding in more than 20 years when heavy rains fell across the islands. The storm prompted evacuation orders for 5,500 people north of Honolulu and more than 200 people were rescued from the rising waters. No deaths have been reported so far.

Why it matters

The intensity and frequency of heavy rains in Hawaii have increased amid human-caused global warming, experts say. This historic flooding event highlights the growing threat of extreme weather events driven by climate change and the need for disaster preparedness and resilience efforts in vulnerable island communities.

The details

The heavy rains fell on soil already saturated by downpours from a winter storm a week ago. Raging waters lifted homes and cars, causing an expected $1 billion in damages. Hawaiian Electric restored power to about 1,200 people in Waialua on the North Shore of O'ahu by Sunday afternoon, and crews continue to assess the damage and make repairs. Additional flooding could still occur, but more on an isolated scale rather than widespread.

  • The storm hit Hawaii on March 21, 2026.
  • By Sunday afternoon, March 22, 2026, more than 2,000 people remained without power.
  • On Sunday afternoon, March 22, 2026, Hawaiian Electric restored power to about 1,200 people in Waialua.

The players

Molly Pierce

Spokesperson for Oahu's Department of Emergency Management.

Matthew Foster

Hawaii meteorologist.

Josh Green

Governor of Hawaii.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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

This historic flooding event in Hawaii underscores the growing threat of extreme weather driven by climate change and the need for disaster preparedness and resilience efforts in vulnerable island communities.