Hawaii remains under a statewide flood watch after a severe storm hit the state and prompted officials to order evacuations. The potential for flash floods threaten the island of Oahu and parts of Maui County, Governor Josh Green said on Saturday.
The storm that struck this weekend is the second severe weather event to hit the archipelago in the last week. Some parts of the state received 40 to 50 inches (127 cm) of rain in the last 10 days, according to Green. Oahu could receive four to six more, while parts of Maui could experience between four to 12 inches, he said.
Don't take this storm lightly, Green warned in a video statement. No deaths had been reported, but there have been a few serious injuries. The state has activated a programme for people displaced by the storm that allows them to get discounted hotel rates.
In a subsequent post, the governor emphasized that due to the heavy rainfall already saturating the ground, it will take much less rain to trigger flooding, road closures, and damage. According to Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, the damage from the storms could surpass $1 billion (£745 million).
More than 230 individuals have been rescued so far, and evacuation orders have been issued for approximately 5,500 people north of Honolulu. Various roads have been closed across the islands, with flash flood warnings urging residents to move to higher ground.
Authorities also warned that a dam in Oahu was at risk of collapse, prompting further safety measures. Green noted that this storm represents the largest flooding Hawaii has seen in 20 years, leading to significant impacts on infrastructure, including airports, schools, and hospitals.
The island is currently experiencing a Kona Low, a slow-moving area of low pressure that pulls in warm, moisture-rich air, resulting in heavy rains and flash flooding. The challenges faced by Hawaii are compounded by past natural disasters, such as the devastating Lahaina wildfires earlier this year, which resulted in over 100 fatalities.
