Rain poured down in Hawaii this weekend as a powerful storm swept through. Residents faced flash flooding, blizzard conditions, and landslides. Some roads collapsed, and a home was lost to the rushing waters.
The Hawaii emergency management agency reported heavy rain across the state, with areas like Maui, Molokai, and the Big Island receiving up to 2 inches per hour. Flood watches and wind advisories remained in effect as officials warned that the storm wasn’t over yet.
Richard Bissen, the mayor of Maui County, shared on social media that some locations recorded over 20 inches of rain in just 24 hours. As of midday Sunday, more than 35,000 customers were without power, according to PowerOutage.us.
Bissen described the scene: “We’re seeing flooding, landslides, sinkholes, debris, and downed power lines. Mahalo for looking out for one another.” Video footage showed washed-out roads and cars stuck in floods, while emergency workers made several rescues.
Tom and Carrie Bashaw lived in Maui’s Iao Valley, where rising waters forced them to evacuate. Tom recalled how trees were uprooted before they had time to react, and they returned to find their home partially collapsed.
This storm, known as a kona storm because it originates from the west, even brought snowfall to the highest peaks of the Big Island, with reports of nearly 20 inches covering Mauna Kea.
Local resident Jesse Wald, who has lived on Maui for 20 years, said, “I’ve never seen this much rain.” He compared the experience to severe thunderstorms back in Wisconsin, but “times 10.”
In recent years, Hawaii has seen an increase in storm intensity. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), climate change is fueling more frequent and severe weather events. The rising sea levels contribute to flash flooding, making storms like this a critical issue for island residents.
As communities recover from this storm, they are reminded of the importance of preparedness and support. Sustained efforts and resources will be vital to rebuild and strengthen resilience in the face of future weather challenges.
For more information on storm patterns and climate change, check out NOAA’s research here.
