Severe Weather Prompts Closures for Hawaii State Workers

Gov. Josh Green orders closure of state offices and schools on Oahu due to heavy rain and strong winds.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:49am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a stormy, rain-swept scene over the Hawaiian islands, with dramatic lighting and deep perspective conveying the overwhelming scale of the approaching weather system.A looming storm system dwarfs the Hawaiian islands, underscoring the power of nature and the need for vigilance during severe weather events.Kahuku Today

Due to an April Severe Weather event impacting Hawaii with heavy rain and strong winds, Gov. Josh Green has announced the closure of all state departments and the release of non-essential state employees on Oahu on Friday, April 10, 2026. This includes the closure of public schools, state offices, and most City and County of Honolulu facilities. The National Weather Service has forecasted potential flash flooding and hazardous travel conditions from the storm.

Why it matters

Hawaii is no stranger to severe weather events, and the governor's decision to close state offices and schools is a proactive measure to ensure the safety of residents and support emergency operations. This closure will allow families to focus on staying safe during the storm, which could bring significant rainfall and damaging winds.

The details

The severe weather event is expected to bring heavy rain and potentially damaging winds starting in the early morning hours on Friday and continuing through midday or later. Meteorologists warn the rainfall could lead to flooding of roads, streams, and poorly draining areas, while strong winds may create hazardous travel conditions and possible power disruptions. Two emergency shelters have been opened on Oahu to support residents who may need to evacuate.

  • The severe weather event is expected to begin in the hours approaching dawn on Friday, April 10, 2026.
  • The storm is forecasted to continue through midday or later on Friday, April 10, 2026.

The players

Gov. Josh Green

The governor of Hawaii who ordered the closure of state offices and schools on Oahu due to the severe weather event.

National Weather Service

The federal agency that forecasted the heavy rain, strong winds, and potential for flash flooding and hazardous travel conditions.

Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA)

The state agency providing preparedness guidance and additional information to residents regarding the severe weather event.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The safety of our residents and families must come first. With the ground saturated from back-to-back storms that began last month, we are taking this situation extremely seriously. Closing schools and state offices will allow families to focus on staying safe, together. It also will support emergency operations and sheltering, should the need arise. We urge everyone to heed all warnings, evacuate if directed and stay out of floodwaters as this storm continues.”

— Gov. Josh Green

What’s next

Residents are encouraged to monitor official updates from the National Weather Service and the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA) for the latest information on the severe weather event and any necessary evacuation orders or emergency shelter openings.

The takeaway

Hawaii's proactive approach to closing state offices and schools during severe weather events demonstrates the state's commitment to public safety and its ability to quickly mobilize resources to support residents during natural disasters. This closure will allow families to focus on preparing for the storm and seeking shelter if needed, while also enabling emergency operations to respond effectively.