Headline:
Flash Flood Warning issued March 20 at 3:16AM HST until March 20 at 5:00AM HST by NWS Honolulu HI
Event:
Flash Flood Warning
Urgency:
Immediate
Effective:
March 20, 2026 - 6:16am
Expires:
March 20, 2026 - 8:00am
Description:
...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM HST EARLY THIS
MORNING FOR THE ISLAND OF OAHU IN HONOLULU COUNTY...
At 316 AM HST, emergency management reported life-threatening flash
flooding across northern Oahu, particularly in the Haleiwa and
Waialua areas. Floodwaters have cut off road access in and out of
Haleiwa, and widespread flooding of roadways and low-lying areas is
ongoing. Although rainfall rates have temporarily decreased,
significant runoff continues to produce high water levels and
dangerous flooding impacts.
Additional bands of heavy rainfall moving in from the southwest are
expected to redevelop over the area, which may lead to renewed rises
in water levels and worsening flooding conditions.
The Wahiawa Reservoir (Lake Wilson) continues to slowly rise, which
could further exacerbate downstream flooding along the Kaukonahua
Stream, particularly near Otake Camp in Waialua. Any additional
rises in reservoir levels could significantly increase the flood
threat in these areas.
This is a life-threatening situation. Ongoing flooding, restricted
access, and the potential for additional heavy rainfall and
increased downstream flow support an upgrade to a catastrophic flash
flood scenario.
This is a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY for Northern Oahu. This is a
PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW!
HAZARD...Heavy rain producing life threatening flash flooding.
SOURCE...Emergency management.
IMPACT...Severe flooding in drainages, streams, rivers, roads,
properties, and other low lying areas. Numerous public
road closures expected, as well as landslides in steep
terrain. Significant property damage expected to homes
and other properties in low lying areas.
Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
northern half of Oahu, along and north of a line from Waianae
Valley to Mililani Mauka to Waiahole.
Instruction:
Move to higher ground now! This is an extremely dangerous and
life-threatening situation. Do not attempt to travel unless you are
fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order.
Stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches, and culverts, even
if they are currently dry.
Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the
dangers of flooding.
The heavy rains may cause rock and mudslides in steep terrain areas.
SNM: EMERGENCIA DE INUNDACIONES REPENTINAS hasta 5:00 AM HST. Evite areas inundadas.
Servicio Nacional de Meteorologia: EMERGENCIA DE INUNDACIONES REPENTINAS en efecto para esta area hasta las 5:00 AM HST. Esta es una situacion extremadamente peligrosa y amenaza la vida. No intente viajar a menos que sea para abandonar un area propensa a inundaciones o bajo una orden de desalojo.
Area Description:
Oahu in Honolulu, HI
Forcast Office:
NWS Honolulu HI
Sender:
w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov