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Areas of Oʻahu's North Shore told to evacuate due to 'catastrophic flash flooding'

A map image with a zone highlighted in red that's under evacuation.
Hawai‘i Department of Transportation
An area of O‘ahu's North Shore that is under evacuation orders due to flash flooding on Friday, Mar 20, 2026.

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The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management has issued an evacuation order for Waialua and Haleʻiwa on Oʻahu's North Shore, due to what it calls “catastrophic flooding.”

The order was issued early Friday morning as heavy rainfall from a second Kona low storm impacted already saturated grounds.

Emergency officials have also issued an immediate evacuation order in Waialua due to water levels at the Wahiawā Dam. Officials warn that life-threatening flooding and catastrophic amounts of fast-moving water in downstream areas are possible. Residents in downstream areas are urged to leave immediately. Click here to view an interactive map.

An emergency shelter has opened at Waialua High & Intermediate School, located at 67-160 Farrington Highway.

Additional assembly areas have also opened at Leilehua High School, Mililani District Park, Kahuku Elementary School, Wahiawā District Park, and Nānākuli High & Intermediate School.

A screenshot of the evacuation areas on the North Shore of Oʻahu at 9:40 a.m. on March 20, 2026. The smaller shaded red area centered around Waialua is the Wahiawā Dam Evacuation Zone, and the evacuation route runs along the outbound red arrows.
Honolulu Department of Emergency Management
A screenshot of the evacuation areas on the North Shore of Oʻahu at 9:40 a.m. on March 20, 2026. The smaller shaded red area centered around Waialua is the Wahiawā Dam Evacuation Zone, and the evacuation route runs along the outbound red arrows.

Authorities said if possible, bring a “go-bag” with essential supplies, including medications. The shelter and assembly areas are pet-friendly, but all pets need to be on a leash or in a carrier.

Gov. Josh Green said the Hawaiʻi National Guard has been activated since early Friday morning, and additional resources are continuing to deploy across Oʻahu.

The entire island of Oʻahu is under a flash flood warning or flood advisory. The rest of the state is under a lower level flood watch due to the Kona low storm.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division reminds residents to review their insurance policies and to file claims quickly. Starting claims promptly helps ensure coverage is applied correctly and delays are avoided. It has a post-disaster claims guide and a video on how to file an insurance claim for additional help.

Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Island and Maui Nui residents can track Hawaiian Electric power outages here. Kauaʻi residents can track KIUC outages here.


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