JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM
People watch floodwater above the swollen Kaukonahua Stream on Friday in Waialua. Structural integrity of Wahiawa Dam is threatening the communities of Waialua and Haleiwa as persistent heavy rains from the Kona low storm continue to batter the state.
A powerful Kona low brought intense rainfall to the islands on Friday, triggering evacuations and leaving widespread damage that continued into early Saturday morning.
The most critical situation unfolded on Oahu’s North Shore where torrential rain—up to 8 to 12 inches in some areas—caused life-threatening flooding in communities like Haleiwa and Waialua.
Officials issued a mandatory evacuation order for areas downstream of the Wahiawa Dam after warnings that the structure was at risk of failure. Rising water levels and continued rainfall are keeping authorities on high alert.
Floodwaters have inundated roads, homes and neighborhoods across northern and central Oahu, cutting off access to entire communities. Officials warned that all roads out of Waialua were at risk of failure Friday night, urging anyone remaining to leave before conditions worsened. Across the island, there were landslides and downed trees that made roads impassable.
Hawaiian Electric also reported power outages affecting thousands of customers, particularly on the North Shore. Electricity was shut off as a safety measure during flooding and evacuation efforts. Call HECO’s Trouble Line at 1-855-304-1212 to report any damage to power lines or poles.
Forecasters caution that more heavy showers could redevelop. The entire state remains under a flood watch through Sunday. Conditions may gradually improve starting Monday as the storm system moves away.
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