Hawaii's Worst Floods in 20 Years

0:00Hawaii just endured its worst flooding in two decades, slamming Oahu's North Shore with raging waters that swept homes off foundations and floated, cars away. Hundreds of homes took a hit, along with schools and a hospital on mowing. No deaths reported, but more than 230 people needed rescues. Governor Josh Green estimates the total cost could exceed $1 billion, marking the state's biggest flood event since 2004. The deluge hit after midnight Friday, with 8-12 inches of rain dumping on soil already soaked from a prior storm. Oahu's highest peak, Kaala, saw nearly 16 inches late last week on top of over 26 inches earlier in March. These Kona-Low systems, packing moisture from the south, fueled the downpours and experts linked the rising intensity to global warming. Residents waited through waist-high or chest-deep water, some even grabbing surfboards to escape. Those issued evacuation orders for 5,500 people north of Honolulu, later lifted.

1:04Now, thick, reddish volcanic mud coats everything, sticking like wet snow and staining when dry, turning clean up into a real chore. Crews are still tallying damage, with over 400 reports of wrecked homes on Oahu alone. Farm statewide lost more than $9.4 million, including 2.7 million in crops on Oahu. A 120-year-old dam north of Honolulu nearly failed, but held steady with no issues. Meanwhile, rain lingers in the southeast, and a flash-fled warning covers part of the big island. Volunteers from across the islands are pitching in, and groups like the Hawaii Community Foundation and Hawaiian Council urge donations to kickstart. Recovery for displaced families. That wraps Durham News today, brought to you with AI. I'm Corey with The Story.