Catastrophic flooding in Hawaii is worst seen in 20 years
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
Two major storms dumped up to 4 feet of rain on Hawaii, causing the worst flooding in 20 years across Oahu and Maui.
How This Affects You
Hawaii residents face home damage, infrastructure disruption, water contamination, extended power outages, and mudslide risks in affected areas.
AI Summary
Two successive major storms have inundated parts of O'ahu and Maui with up to 4 feet of rain, triggering the worst flooding the Hawaiian islands have experienced in two decades. According to Hawaii's governor, the deluge has caused severe damage across both islands, affecting homes, infrastructure, and communities. The intensity and scope of the flooding underscores Hawaii's vulnerability to extreme weather events, particularly as climate patterns intensify precipitation in the Pacific. Residents across affected areas face potential mudslides, water contamination, and extended power outages as emergency response teams work to reach stranded communities. The recovery process will likely test the state's disaster infrastructure and resources.
What's Being Done
Emergency response teams are working to reach stranded communities; the state is assessing disaster infrastructure and recovery needs.
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
EnvironmentRed volcanic mud coats homes after Hawaii’s worst floods in 20 years
<p>Oahu residents face gruelling cleanup as floods damage hundreds of homes and losses are expected to top $1bn</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/feb/17/sign-up-for-the-breaking-news-us-email-to-get-newsletter-alerts-direct-to-your-inbox?utm_medium=ACQUISITIONS_STANDFIRST&utm_campaign=BN22326&utm_content=signup&utm_term=standfirst&utm_source=GUARDIAN_WEB">Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox</a></p></li></ul><p>The worst flooding to hit <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/hawaii">Hawaii</a> in two decades has swept homes off their foundations, floated cars out of driveways and left floors, walls and counters covered in thick, reddish volcanic mud.</p><p>Authorities said hundreds of homes had been damaged, along with some schools and a hospital. On Monday, new downpours set off a fresh round of flooding on Oahu’s south side while residents on the island’s North Shore cleaned up and assessed t...
EnvironmentHawaii assesses damage left by worst flooding in more than 20 years - The Guardian
EnvironmentOver 5,500 told to evacuate flooding in Hawaii as officials warn 120-year-old dam could fail - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMisAFBVV95cUxQWGgxMkNQU2tvOGltVEwzVXpfSEdrcTlvZDZqbEtyN0dvNHhzRkdjOW5PWmtfMEd0aU1VNTEyUEtJQllRMjFQZ09uMWdPVFB4SDd4cWhqUFJ0TlJoenFMX2lEUjc1SE9yU1lPelVWUXp0VDdPTlZWTzZ5YzZlRHdGazItRnBfMVZhaklYVmY3Ti1zOTA3UEctYk1sVDBNM3p1MnFCQWduNVBiNUdRRzJaVA?oc=5" target="_blank">Over 4,000 told to evacuate flooding in Hawaii as officials warn 120-year-old dam could fail</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
EnvironmentSevere flooding triggers road closures, evacuations in Manoa - Hawaii News Now
EnvironmentEarth hit record heat levels in 2025 as UN says warming will last thousands of years
Earth’s heat-trapping levels hit a record in 2025, with impacts expected to persist for thousands of years, the United Nations warned on Monday. The World Meteorological Organisation said the 11 warmest years on record occurred between 2015 and 2025, underscoring global warming in its State of the Global Climate report.
Technology‘Stand by Me’ stars reflect on the movie, Rob Reiner and its return to theaters 40 years later - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiogFBVV95cUxQWGtRdEtCSWczRTFteUM5aDlqc05YY1hYdU1GM2xaNVE4MXNqQW1NdGpjSi1ocENLTUh6TVJvUEZ4RGdtZDFyMjMyeVNIdGNrdmZJbnNtaUZsQ1ZycG9BWXZZb21mWUwzdWozdS1ELUZFTFFwVnJXdlMwLVBqeGJfYVp6Nzg4cHVDRl9mVTRRLWpxLXdXeHRYaTBja1VabkRxWXc?oc=5" target="_blank">‘Stand by Me’ stars reflect on the movie, Rob Reiner and its return to theaters 40 years later</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
What the historic snow drought means for water, wildfires and the future of the West
The 2026 water year has been anything but ordinary. In fact, its snow drought has few parallels in recent history.
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
Fentanyl found inside Barbies sold at Missouri discount store, police say
US moves to soften capital rules: ‘Big banks can declare mission accomplished’
Senate deal reached to cap insulin costs
The West's historic snow drought could bring water shortages, wildfires
Pentagon's limits on press access unconstitutional, US judge rules - Reuters
