Urgent Warning Issued Amid Devastating Hawaii Flooding: "Move Immediately"
On Friday, March 20, Hawaii Governor Josh Green announced the closure of all state departments and release of employees not considered disaster response and preparedness workers on O‘ahu due to a severe weather system forecast to strike the region.
Forecasts from the National Weather Service indicated prolonged heavy rain that is expected to continue through Sunday.
“The safety of our residents and families must come first,” Green said. “With catastrophic flash flooding already impacting parts of Oʻahu, including evacuation orders on the North Shore and the potential for dam-related impacts, we are taking this situation extremely seriously. Closing state offices will allow families to focus on getting to safety and will support emergency operations. We urge everyone to heed all warnings, evacuate if directed and stay out of floodwaters as this storm continues through the weekend.”
(Photo by EUGENE TANNER/AFP via Getty Images)
Hawaii Residents Urged to 'Move Immediately' Amid Flash Flood
On Saturday, March 21, the National Weather Service issued an updated urgent flash flood warning for residents of O'ahu citing closed roads due to extreme flooding.
"While the latest radar shows a significant decrease in shower coverage and intensity, return showers are expected into the early morning hours. The Wahiawa Reservoir remains elevated and will continue to be a concern due to additional heavy rain expected over the next few days," the National Weather Service said.
A flash flood warning graphic from the Honolulu office of the National Weather Service warned residents to "move immediately to higher ground" and "avoid walking or driving through flood waters."
Flash Flood Warning continues for Pearl City HI, Kailua HI and Waipahu HI until 3:00 AM HST pic.twitter.com/JiT2VC0EIE
— NWSHonolulu (@NWSHonolulu) March 21, 2026
Nearly one million residents will have potential exposure to the heavy flooding.
The NWS warned of flash flooding in the following regions: Wahiawa, Schofield Barracks, Wheeler Field, Haleiwa, Waialua, Mililani, Hauula, Laie, Waianae, Punaluu, Kahuku, Nanakuli, Waikane, Kaaawa, Helemano Housing, Whitmore Village, Waimea Valley, Waimea Bay, Mokuleia and Pupukea.
NWS Warns to Take Precautions
In the urgent flash flood warning, the National Weather Service also warned residents to take proper precautions during the heavy rainfall.
"Stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches, and culverts, even if they are currently dry. Do not cross fast flowing or rising water in your vehicle, or on foot. Turn around, don't drown. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding," it said.
The flash flood warning is in effect until 11 a.m. ET.
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