Update, 3/22, 12:30 p.m.:
The National Weather Service has all islands except Kauai under a flood watch through the afternoon.
"Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible," said NWS in a bulletin. "Significant flooding may occur due to the overflow of streams and drainages. Roads in several areas may be closed, along with property damage in urban or low lying spots due to runoff. Landslides may also occur in areas with steep terrain. A kona low, currently north of the islands, has drawn abundant moisture northward. Rounds of moderate to heavy rainfall are anticipated. The heaviest rain is expected to last through tonight. You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued."
Earlier today, the Maui Emergency Management Agency issued evacuation advisories for Kelawea Mauka III neighborhoods "above the bypass in Lahaina due to potential vehicle inaccessibility from new and worsening roadway sinkholes from kona storm 2," the agency said in a statement.
About a dozen road closure due to flooding and sinkholes can be seen in the Lahaina area in the Genasys Protect app at protect.genasys.com. Officials have opened a shelter at Lahaina Civic Center.
Update, 3/21, 6:34 p.m.:
O’ahu shelters will close tonight now that evacuation orders have ended.
Randy Collins, Director of the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management, said Friday evening that the city will close all shelters it had opened in advance of the storm, save for a shelter at Kāne’ohe District Park, where some residents remain.
City officials have repeatedly urged residents to be cautious about exposing themselves to water. Ernie Lau, Chief Engineer for the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, said damaged and destroyed homes have possibly leached sewage into floodwaters, and therefore North Shore residents are advised to boil any water intended for hygiene or cooking for at least three minutes before using it.
For those unable to boil water, two tankers of clean water will be stationed at the Waialua Community Association and at Sunset Beach Neighborhood Park, Lau said.
Kurt Lager, Honolulu’s Chief of Ocean Safety, said residents are advised to wait 72 hours before entering the ocean as sediment, sewage, animal remains and more pose risks of infection.
Honolulu Emergency Services Director Jim Ireland advised residents to see a doctor if they develop diarrhea, a fever, or if any open wounds appear infected over the next week.
“I’ve never seen the ocean as brown as I saw it today,” Mayor Rick Blangiardi said.
Ireland added that one ambulance was destroyed by floodwaters near Waialua amid an operation to extricate a family from a collapsed house.
Amy Miller, president of Hawai’i Foodbank, said the Foodbank will distribute food tomorrow at the Mililani Park & Ride from 9 a.m. to noon, and at Kahala Elementary School from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. A mobile food pantry will also be traveling throughout the North Shore tomorrow, and additional food distribution events will be scheduled through the coming days.
Anna Neubauer, president of the Hawaiian Humane Society, advised residents who were unable to evacuate with their pets to contact the Humane Society at hawaiihumane.org, as teams are on the North Shore rescuing animals. A pet food bank will also be open tomorrow at the Humane Society’s ‘Ewa Beach location.
Update, 3/21, 4:50 p.m.:
All evacuation orders for Waialua and Hale’iwa have been lifted as of Saturday afternoon.
As storm conditions on O’ahu improve, the City and County of Honolulu has announced that residents may return to previously evacuated areas. Waialua Beach Road Bridge is reopened to local traffic, and the Farrington Highway Kaukonahua Stream Bridge is expected to reopen later today, although individual lanes on both bridges may be closed.
The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management has advised residents to exercise caution as they return and to avoid standing water and downed power lines.
Residents are advised to take photos or videos of any property damage, and to begin cleaning immediately to prevent the buildup of mold and mildew.
As residents return home, the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs encourages homeowners to review their insurance policies for flood coverage. Further information about flood insurance at floodsmart.gov.
Hawaiian Electric was advised returning evacuees to make sure all electrical outlets are clear of water and then shut off their home’s main breaker. They should then await confirmation from HECO that it is safe before reactivating the breaker. HECO crews must clear the Waialua Substation, repair power lines and conduct safety inspections before restoring power to some 2,200 North Shore customers.
As it stands, about 6,400 customers in the North Shore area remain without power.
Elsewhere, evacuation warnings remain in effect on Maui, including in some Lahaina neighborhoods, in Kīhei and ‘Īao Valley, and in neighborhoods below Ka La’i Ola.
The Honolulu Board of Water Supply also has issued a boil water notice for a number of North Shore communities.
Due to potential damage to the water system caused by the storm, water users in Waialua, Hale’iwa, Sunset, Pūpūkea and Waialeʻe ending at Turtle Bay should boil any water pulled from the tap before consuming it. Do not drink the water without boiling first.
"To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and making ice should be boiled and cooled prior to consumption," a recent alert states.
Update, 3/21, 12:19 p.m.:
Oahu's flash flood warning has expired, however, the National Weather Service has extended a flash flood warning until 3 p.m. for East Molokai, Lāna‘i and West Maui as the second Kona Low moves eastward.
Maui County officials upgrading their evacuation advisories to warnings at 11:16 a.m., "for Wahikuli and Leialiʻi areas below Ka Laʻi Ola in Lahaina due to nearby retention basins nearing capacity. Other new zones in this area were placed under advisory. Warnings and advisories are NOT mandatory evacuation orders.
"County of Maui contracted crews have been actively working through the night into the morning to redirect overflow by pumping water from the retention basins to help keep levels safe. Lahaina Civic Center was opened as a shelter as of 3/20.
"To view whether your neighborhood is under MEMA evacuation warning or advisory, visit Genasys Protect app at protect.genasys.com.
"‘Īao and Kīhei areas remain under MEMA evacuation warning. Other vulnerable areas around Maui County remain under evacuation advisory, including places in Molokai, Lahaina, South Maui and East Maui."
For areas under a warning, there is a, "Potential threat to life and/or property. Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with livestock and pets, may consider leaving early."
Update, 3/21, 11:14 a.m.:
The City & County of Honolulu says that an evacuation order remains in effect for residents in Waialua and Haleʻiwa.
Evacuation map:https://p.veoci.com/hnlevac.
"Impacted area: Waialua, west of Kaukonahua Stream," said the 10:40 a.m. statement from the city. "There is no access into Waialua allowed at this time. Vehicles are only being allowed to exit the area.
"Six evacuation shelters are currently operational for those displaced by the storm. The City is working with non-profit partners including the Hawaii Foodbank, Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and Partners in Care to provide essential resources and support. 131 residents and 45 pets were sheltered overnight.
Evacuation Shelter Locations:
- George Fred Wright Wahiawā District Park
- Mililani District Park
- Leilehua High School
- The Salvation Army Kroc Center Hawai‘i
- Nānākuli High and Intermediate
- Kāneʻohe District Park
Shelter map: https://p.veoci.com/hnlshelter
Update, 3/21, 5:19 a.m.:
The National Weather Service has extended O'ahu's flash flood warning to 11 a.m. Saturday, noting, "emergency management reported closed roads island-wide as a result of Friday's flooding. While the latest radar depicts light to moderate showers, additional bands of moderate to potentially locally heavy showers may likely in from the south during the early morning hours."
There remains the possibility of "flooding in drainages, streams, rivers, roads, properties, and other low-lying areas," says the bulletin. "Public road closures possible in some areas. Landslides are possible in steep terrain. 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."
Update, 10:13 p.m.:
Residents of the Waialua area are urged to “leave now,” according to the latest release from officials of the City and Coutny of Honolulu. The remaining access road out of Waialua is at “high risk of failure if rainfall continues.” This impacts all of Waialua west (Kaʻena side) of Kaukonahua Stream. Access INTO Waialua ended at 9:30pm. Vehicles are only allowed to exit. Here is the evacuation and shelter map.
Update, 6:39 p.m.:
This weekend’s storm could cause more than $1 billion in damage, said Gov. Josh Green Friday evening.
Green said at a press briefing that the state is going to face “serious consequences” from the storm, which he called “Kona Low 2”. Kula Hospital on Maui was damaged during the storm, forcing the relocation of 99 patients, and several schools will require repairs, Green said, on top of untold damage to private residences.
“This is the largest flood we’ve had in 20 years,” Green said.
Nonetheless, no fatalities have been reported so far, and there are no unaccounted-for people. Green said 196 people have been rescued from dangerous areas so far, but Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi added that those numbers were outdated: within just one hour, that number increased to 233.
Blangiardi said the storm is “probably only halfway through,” with another 6-8 inches of rain projected over the next few days. Because the ground is thoroughly saturated, he said this additional rainfall has a compounding effect and can cause floodwaters to rise extremely quickly.
Green said that water levels at the Wahiawā Dam appear to be on a downward trajectory, last reported at 82.7 feet around 3:30 p.m. Friday, down from more than 84 feet less than 12 hours prior. But, he said, the additional rain projected to come this weekend could still bring waters over the edge of the dam.
Consequently, Hale’iwa and Waialua remain under an evacuation order, Green said. Evacuation warnings have also been issued for ‘Īao and Kīhei on Maui.
Green said he has heard no reports of structural damage to the dam.
Tony Koyamatsu, engineer in the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Dam Safety Division, said dam owners throughout the state were left to their own discretion whether they would preemptively pump water from their dams in advance of the storm; he did not confirm whether Dole Food Company, owner of Wahiawā Dam, did so.
Green said he has assurances from the White House and the Federal Emergency Management Agency that the state will have federal support for disaster recovery efforts. He added that the Hawai’i Community Foundation is already raising money for recovery.
In the meantime, several O’ahu hotels are offering deeply discounted kama’aina rates — starting at $191 per night — for evacuees. A list of those hotels, along with an updating list of evacuation shelters, can be found at ready.hawaii.gov.
Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan, Adjutant General for the Hawai’i Department of Defense, said the Hawai’i National Guard has been activated throughout the state, and that more than 100 soldiers and airmen have been deployed to search and rescue operations on O’ahu.
Tomorrow, Logan said, teams will go door-to-door through the North Shore for further search and rescue operations.
Meanwhile, residents have been repeatedly urged to not drive through flooded roads. Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen said his department cannot pump out floodwaters until after the rain stops; consequently, the only method the department has to mitigate floods is by keeping drains clear.
Landslides have been reported throughout O’ahu, Sniffen said, the biggest of which were in Waimea. Similarly, he said crews have limited ability to respond to landslides while the rain continues and drivers are therefore advised to drive at speeds they can stop quickly.
Sniffen said all airports are currently operating as usual, but travelers are advised to call their airlines ahead of time to learn of possible reroutes or delays, and to arrive at their airport three hours ahead of their departures.
Update, 4:05 p.m.:
The National Weather Service has extended O‘ahu's flash flood warning to 8 p.m., while the state as a whole remains under a flash flood watch until Sunday, 6 p.m.
"Significant flooding may occur due to the overflow of streams and drainages," says the alert. "Roads in several areas may be closed, along with property damage in urban or low lying spots due to runoff. Landslides may also occur in areas with steep terrain.
"A kona low developing west of the islands will draw abundant moisture northward as it strengthens and eventually departs to north early next week. Several rounds of moderate to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected. The heaviest rain is expected to last through Saturday, except for the Big Island where the heaviest rain is expected on Sunday."
Update 2:30 p.m.:
An assembly area at Kahuku Elementary has been closed, while an evacuation shelter at the Salvation Army Kroc Center Hawai`i will open for residents in Leeward areas affected by the ongoing storms.
The Kroc Center is located at 91-3257 Kualakai Parkway in `Ewa Beach.
Learn more about different shelter types here.
Find a current list of the city's shelters and assembly areas here.
If possible, bring a go bag with essential supplies including medications.
Assembly Areas are pet friendly but pets must be in a carrier or leash. Bring pet food and other essential supplies to care for your pet if you can.
Update, 1 p.m.:
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi is “feeling good” about the stability of the Wahiawā Dam for the time being, but warned that the future of the storm is unpredictable.
“We don’t feel we’re in immediate danger of water topping the dam,” Blangiardi said during a noon press conference, adding that water at the Wahiawā Reservoir appeared to be receding somewhat earlier today.
However, the mayor added that the amount of rain still to come today and tomorrow is unpredictable. While he said the National Weather Service has indicated that the North Shore is currently between bands of heavy rain — which could mean a respite for some hours, he said — more bands are expected to reach the North Shore before the end of the day.
“The damage so far is catastrophic,” Blangiardi said, but explained that precise estimates of damage cannot be made yet because of flooded roadways. He said there are “dozens, maybe hundreds” of households displaced already.
So far, Honolulu Communications Director Ian Scheuring said there are 54 people at the city’s five evacuation shelters, located at Kahuku Elementary School, Mililani District Park, Nānākuli High and Intermediate School, Leilehua High School and George Fred Wright Wahiawā District Park. The city is prepared to open additional shelters as needed, and will provide additional resources should extended shelters be necessary.
Find a current list of the city's shelters and assembly areas here.
Blangiardi said first responders and Honolulu Ocean Safety are conducting rescue operations to take residents out of the evacuation zone, but couldn’t provide specific details about the number of people rescued this way. But with multiple road closures on Kamehameha Highway, Blangiardi said that anyone who does not need to travel along the North Shore should stay well away.
As of 11 a.m., all non-essential city workers have been ordered to take the rest of the day off.
Residents are encouraged to call the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management for non-life-threatening emergency information at 808-723-8960.
Blangiardi also added that he has cancelled a trip to China he had scheduled for next week. He said that trip would have entailed “a number of business things” and wasn’t “your typical cultural exchange” but didn’t go into further detail.
Update, 12 p.m.:
Due to severe weather conditions, Gov. Josh Green on Friday, and effective immediately, closed all state departments and released employees who are not considered disaster response and preparedness workers on O`ahu.
“The safety of our residents and families must come first," Green said in a statement. "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.”
With the exception of the Wahiawā District Court, which closed earlier today, the Judiciary remains operational and will issue any further guidance for Judicial Branch employees, an announcement from the Governor's Office notes.
According to the announcement, forecasts from the National Weather Service "indicate a prolonged period of heavy rain that will continue possibly through Sunday, with flash flooding and severe thunderstorms across the state."
Residents should monitor official updates from the National Weather Service and the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, the Governor's Office You can find preparedness guidance and more information from HIEMA at ready.hawaii.gov/.
Update, 9:30 a.m.:
In addition to flooding and other severe weather impacts on O`ahu, the current storms have also affected some operations and services across the City and County of Honolulu.
In an announcement issued just before 9 a.m. the city notes that:
Department of Parks and Recreation
- George Fred Wright Wahiawā District Park is being used as an assembly area for anyone needing refuge from the severe weather.
Find a current list of the city's shelters and assembly areas here.The list will be updated throughout the storm and updates also will be sent via HNL Alert. - Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, all Honolulu Botanical Gardens (through this weekend), and several play fields including Patsy T. Mink Central O`ahu Regional Park are closed.
- All permitted camping has been suspended through March 26. Regularly permitted park activities, programs and phone access for recreation staff are suspended as park staff assist with emergency operations.
Department of Transportation Services
For TheBus, Route 521 service remains suspended; Route 52 service is suspended north of Wahiawā; Route 60 service is suspended between Haleʻiwa and Kahaluʻu (Kamehameha/Kahekili at Hygienic Store), and Route 403 service is suspended on Paʻakea Road.
TheHandi-Van is operating normally, but users leaving or bound for North Shore and East Oʻahu (between Waialua and Kahaluʻu) may not be able to start or complete their trip.
No Skyline issues have been reported.
Update, 9 a.m.:
The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management says in an alert issued just after 9 a.m. that the Wahiawā Dam has not failed but is at "imminent risk of failure." Evacuation orders are still in effect.
Update, 8:50 a.m.:
The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management says in an alert issued just after 8:30 a.m. that failure of the Wahiawā Dam is in progress or expected, which has the potential for "life-threatening flooding and catastrophic amounts of fast-moving water in downstream areas."
An evacuation order has been issued for all of Haleʻiwa between Puuiki Street and Kamehameha Highway and areas of Waialua between Kukea Circle to Otake Camp.
The alert says to use Kamehameha Highway Wahiawā-bound onto Kamananui Road and left to Wilikina Drive to evacuate. Do not use Kaukonahua Roard to access Wahiawā. The Karsten Thot Bridge on Kamehameha Highway also is closed. All traffic is routed to Kamananui Road.
Find a map and evacuation route here.
Assembly areas are open at Wahiawā District Park, Leilehua High School, and Kahuku Elementary School. Waialua High and Intermediate School assembly area is closed due to flood conditions in the area.
Those in the evacuation area should take the following actions and leave now:
- Gather family members. Assist neighbors who need help evacuating if you can do so safely.
- Bring pets if you can locate and secure them quickly.
- Do not delay to pack or prepare your home. Take only essential items you have ready to go NOW.
- Alert neighbors who may not have received this message if you are able to do so safely and quickly.
Do not walk or drive through moving water or on flooded roadways, the alert says, and stay out of the area until emergency officials advise it is safe to return.
Original:
Click here for a map of assembly locations for evacuations being urged by the National Weather Service.
"An assembly area is a parking lot or outdoor waiting area for people required to temporarily evacuate or unable to get home," said the O‘ahu Department of Emergency Management in a statement Friday morning. "Sites are NOT staffed and primary access is to outdoor areas. If possible, bathrooms will be opened.
"Assembly Areas(s) are available to all impacted residents and visitors. Pets welcome but must be in a carrier or on a leash.
"Evacuation Bus Information: TheBus is mobilizing evacuation bus resources to Waialua/HaleCiwa as of 6:00am and can direct them to any safe staging point in Haleʻiwa. Deployed buses will be marked with "EVACUATION" on signage and may be flagged down at any safe location (not necessarily at bus stops) to board and evacuate. No fares required.
"However, major service disruption in Waialua and Haleʻiwa. No service on Route 521. Routes 52 and 60 operating only to Weed Circle in Haleʻiwa. Routes 60 and 88A service impacted: No service between Waimea Valley and Kahaluʻu (Kamehameha/Kahekili at Hygienic Store)."
Officials urge evacuees to, if possible, bring a Go Bag with essential supplies including medications.
"Assembly Areas are pet friendly but pets must be in a carrier or leash. Bring pet food and other essential supplies to care for your pet if you can."
Monitor https://alert.hnlalert.gov for updates.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for all islands through Sunday afternoon.
More urgently, it issued, at 7:43 a.m., a flash floor emergency for Northern O‘ahu:
"Emergency management reported widespread life-threatening flash flooding effects continuing across northern O‘ahu, particularly in the Hale‘iwa and Waialua areas.
"Although rainfall rates have temporarily decreased, significant runoff continues to produce high water levels, including the Wahiawa Reservoir which continues to rise.
"Additional bands of heavy rainfall moving in from the southwest will continue over the area throughout the day, which could lead to renewed rises in water levels and worsening flooding conditions.
"The Wahiawa Reservoir (Lake Wilson) remains elevated, with water levels continuing to rise from runoff, despite a break in the heavy rainfall. Additional rises in this reservoir could further exacerbate downstream flooding along the streams, particularly near Otake Camp in Waialua. For the windward side of Oahu, periods of heavy showers will continue to develop and move through, with rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour. Water levels in the streams remain high, especially in the Waiahole, Waikane, and Kahana streams. Runoff impacting vulnerable low lying areas and roads will continue through the morning hours.
"This is a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY for Northern Oahu. This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW!"
