Hawaii Braces for More Heavy Rain

Flood recovery efforts continue as forecasters warn of potential flash flooding across the islands.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:05am

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray, blue, and green, with a distant horizon line obscured by heavy rain and clouds. The scene conveys a sense of the sublime, with the natural world dwarfing any human-made structures or objects.As Hawaii braces for another round of heavy rain, the state's natural landscapes are poised to be transformed by the overwhelming power of the elements.Honolulu Today

More rounds of heavy rain are on the way for Hawaii this week, heightening anxieties during ongoing flood recovery efforts after back-to-back Kona-low storms last month. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch effective from Wednesday morning to Friday afternoon, warning that flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall will be possible across the island chain.

Why it matters

The impending wave of heavy rains is stoking anxieties for flood survivors who are still in the process of cleaning up from the previous Kona-low storms, and will likely hamper efforts to repair roads and infrastructure. City and state officials are urging residents to prepare now, as the ground in many areas is already saturated and water levels are higher than normal.

The details

Crews have been working to clear debris, lower sand plugs, and stabilize slopes across Oahu in preparation for the incoming storms. The Honolulu Emergency Operations Center will be activated on Wednesday, and the city is preparing for the worst, monitoring dams, streams, and waterways in coordination with state and federal partners. The Hawaii National Guard continues to support cleanup efforts on Oahu's North Shore and is ready to rapidly respond if needed.

  • On Monday, crews were dispatched to clear debris at the mouth of a stream near Ewa Beach Road.
  • The Honolulu Emergency Operations Center will be activated on Wednesday.
  • The National Weather Service issued a flood watch effective from Wednesday morning to Friday afternoon.

The players

Rick Blangiardi

Honolulu Mayor, who urged residents to prepare for possible evacuations and have 'go bags' ready.

Stephen Logan

Major General of the Hawaii National Guard, which continues to support cleanup efforts on Oahu's North Shore.

Cole Evans

National Weather Service meteorologist, who warned that the bad weather is expected to last throughout most of the week.

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What they’re saying

“We're asking everybody in Oahu to begin to prepare and to start now. Start today … ; don't wait until the weather turns, because as we saw with these 'rain bombs,' there's no time.”

— Rick Blangiardi, Honolulu Mayor

“Motorists should definitely be prepared for material such as rocks and trees to come down from already saturated slopes, by signing up for local emergency alerts and avoiding travel during flood warnings.”

— Hawaii Department of Transportation

What’s next

The Honolulu Emergency Operations Center will be activated on Wednesday, and city officials will continue to monitor dams, streams, and waterways in coordination with state and federal partners.

The takeaway

This latest round of heavy rain comes as Hawaii is still recovering from the devastating Kona-low storms last month, underscoring the need for residents to be prepared for potential flash flooding and to heed warnings from local authorities. The state's ability to withstand these extreme weather events will be tested once again.