Kona Low Causes Oahu Floods as Wahiawa Dam Nears Failure, Triggering Evacuations

A powerful Kona low storm system has triggered severe flooding across Hawaii's islands, with Oahu's North Shore facing the most immediate danger as the 120-year-old Wahiawa Dam approaches critical levels.

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The storm system, characterized by southerly winds bringing moisture-laden air, has dumped unprecedented rainfall on already saturated ground from a previous Kona low event just one week prior.

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National Weather Service meteorologists report 'widespread life-threatening flash flooding' with rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour in some areas, creating catastrophic conditions across the islands.

The storm, described as 'Kona 2' by Governor Josh Green, has proven particularly dangerous despite potentially being less intense than the previous system, as it follows weeks of heavy precipitation that has left the ground unable to absorb additional water.

Emergency officials warn that multiple rounds of heavy rain tied to the developing Kona low west of the state continue to trigger dangerous conditions that are expected to persist throughout the weekend.

The critical situation at Wahiawa Dam, a 120-year-old earthen structure built in 1906 for sugar production, has become the focal point of the emergency as water levels approach catastrophic thresholds.

Honolulu officials issued a 'LEAVE NOW' evacuation order at 5:35 a.m. Friday for communities downstream, including Waialua and Haleiwa, warning that the dam is 'high' and 'at risk of imminent failure.'

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Emergency management reports indicate water was 'actively running over the spillway' at rates of 1,500 gallons per second, with reservoir levels rising above the 85-foot mandatory evacuation threshold.

The dam, which has 'high hazard potential' according to state officials, poses a life-threatening risk as any failure would 'result in probable loss of human life' for the thousands of residents in low-lying areas.

Despite ongoing assurances that the dam 'continues to operate as designed with no indications of damage,' the structure's age and history of repeated safety warnings have created heightened concern among emergency planners and residents alike.

Mass evacuations have been underway throughout Friday as emergency services scramble to respond to the unfolding crisis, with over 4,000 residents ordered to leave the threatened North Shore communities.

“HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Hawaii News Now is tracking a Kona low as it moves over Hawaii”

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Honolulu officials have established emergency shelters, though one at Waialua High and Intermediate School was itself evacuated due to flooding, requiring the relocation of about 185 people and 50 pets to safer facilities.

Emergency crews, including the Hawaii National Guard, Coast Guard, and local firefighters, have been conducting rescue operations, with the US Coast Guard reporting the rescue of five people and a dog from a rooftop in the Waialua area.

The Hawaii National Guard has also airlifted approximately 70 children and adults from a youth camp called Our Lady of Kea'au on Oahu's west coast.

Despite these efforts, emergency services face significant challenges as many roads are already inundated, with Honolulu Information Specialist Ryan Wilson warning residents not to drive through flowing water due to the risk of vehicles being washed away.

The evacuation orders have been characterized as particularly urgent, with emergency sirens blaring along Oahu's famed North Shore to alert residents to the life-threatening situation.

The human impact of the flooding has been severe, with dozens or hundreds of homes already damaged and residents facing life-threatening conditions.

Waialua resident Kathleen Pahinui expressed the community's anxiety, noting that the aging dam is 'a concern every time it rains' and urging others to 'pray for us' as more rain was expected.

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State Representative Amy Perruso reported that emergency services were having trouble reaching people, with many residents' vehicles underwater and 'no exit possibility for a lot of folks right now.'

The flooding has created particularly dangerous conditions in areas that were previously burned by the massive wildfire that destroyed much of Lahaina in 2023, as heavy rains exacerbate soil instability in fire-damaged areas.

While there have been no confirmed deaths or injuries reported so far, officials emphasize the ongoing threat as saturated ground and elevated stream levels increase the risk that additional rainfall could quickly worsen already catastrophic conditions, particularly along the Kaukonahua Stream downstream of the Wahiawa Dam.

Residents who cannot evacuate have been advised to go to the highest level of their homes and stay out of attics without access to the roof.

The crisis extends beyond Oahu, with multiple Hawaiian islands facing continued threats from the Kona low storm system.

“NORTH SHORE, Hawai'i (Island News) -- The Oahu Department of Emergency Management has issued a flash flood evacuation order for Waialua and Haleiwa due to extremely dangerous flooding and high water levels at Wahiawa Dam”

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Maui County has issued evacuation advisories for several neighborhoods, including Wahikuli and Leialii areas below Ka La'i Ola in Lahaina, where nearby retention basins are nearing capacity.

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County crews are actively working to redirect overflow and pump water from the Lahaina basin to maintain safe levels, though these are not mandatory evacuation orders.

Other vulnerable areas around Maui County remain under evacuation advisories, including East Molokai, Lahaina, and East Maui.

The National Weather Service has extended flash flood warnings for Oahu until 6 p.m. and maintains a flood watch for all islands through Sunday afternoon, with forecasters warning that 'flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall' remains possible as the system strengthens.

Hawaii island is expected to see its heaviest impacts on Sunday, raising concerns about significant flooding in streams, roads, and low-lying areas, along with possible landslides in steep terrain.

Meanwhile, a separate winter storm watch has been issued for Hawaii island summits above 12,000 feet from Saturday evening through Sunday afternoon, with heavy snow and wind gusts as high as 70 mph creating potentially impossible travel conditions.