Hawaii flooding is worst in 20 years, officials say

Officials say back-to-back Kona storms have produced the worst flooding in Hawaii in 20 years, prompting evacuations after a nearby 120-year-old dam was reported to be at imminent risk of failure; a statewide flood watch runs through March 22.

Hawaii is facing severe flooding after two back-to-back Kona storms swept the islands. Officials described the event as the worst flooding the state has seen in about 20 years. Heavy rain and damaging winds have caused widespread power outages, road damage and prompted emergency evacuations. Authorities also reported that a century-old dam was at imminent risk of failure, triggering ordered evacuations in some communities. Known details: - Officials said the flooding is the worst in 20 years; no deaths were reported and about 200 people had been rescued, with roughly 10 treated for hypothermia. - Evacuations were ordered for Haleʻiwa and Waialua after authorities reported a nearby 120-year-old dam was at imminent risk of failure. - The National Weather Service reported heavy rain (sometimes 2 to 4 inches per hour), thunderstorms and a statewide flood watch in effect through the afternoon of March 22. - Officials reported damage to roads, homes, airports and power infrastructure, and estimated that overall losses from the March flooding could reach about $1 billion. Summary: Flooding has disrupted multiple Hawaiian islands and prompted emergency evacuations tied to reported risk at an older dam. Officials reported no deaths so far and said rescues and medical treatments have taken place. Weather agencies reported continued heavy rain and thunderstorms with a statewide flood watch through March 22. Emergency authorities have established assembly areas and are monitoring conditions as the situation evolves.