Honolulu, HI – Residents on Oahu’s North Shore have minutes to act as a Flash Flood Emergency remains in effect with the Wahiawa Dam now at imminent risk of failure, sending dangerous water downstream along the Kaukonahua Stream.
According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu and local emergency management, a Flash Flood Warning tied to the potential dam failure has been extended through 1:15 p.m. Saturday. Officials confirmed flooding is already occurring along the Kaukonahua Stream, with Waialua and Haleiwa directly in the path of rapidly rising water.
Earlier Friday, a Flash Flood Emergency was issued for northern Oahu, warning of catastrophic, life-threatening flooding. Stream gauges show elevated levels, and additional runoff continues to pour into the Wahiawa Reservoir. Heavy rain rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour are ongoing across parts of the island, including Honolulu, Pearl City, Kaneohe, and Waipahu, increasing the risk of widespread road closures and landslides.
Critical routes near Wahiawa, Haleiwa Road, and Kamehameha Highway may become impassable with little warning. Emergency officials urge residents to move to higher ground immediately, avoid all streams and low-lying roads, and follow evacuation orders without delay.
Warnings remain in effect through Saturday afternoon, and additional life-saving alerts are likely as conditions continue to deteriorate.
