Homepage > Honolulu Weather
Members of the House of Representatives debate a bill on health care reform. Watch It Now
  • U.S. House: Health Care Debate [Also: Read The Story | In Depth]

  • Storm Causes Major Flooding On Oahu

    Rains Causing Flooding, Power Outages, Road Closures Around Oahu

    POSTED: 9:56 am HST December 11, 2008
    UPDATED: 6:29 am HST December 12, 2008

    Heavy rain caused problems all over O'ahu flooding homes and businesses, forcing roads and schools to close, causing traffic problems and power outages.

    On the North Shore, two homes were swept off their foundations as homeowners scrambled to save their properties.

    In Ewa, Honouliuli turned into a river of muddy water as a stream overflowed damaging properties, trapping residents and killing animals.

    In Waipahu, floodwaters damaged businesses and homes and shut off traffic to major roadways.

    Traffic along the two-lane Kamehameha Highway on the windward side creeped along as roads were blocked by rising waters and falling mud.

    Emergency teams were dispatched to help evacuate some residents from Haleiwa Beach Road and Kipapa Gulch.

    Earlier, the bad weather caused problems along the Leeward Coast causing school closures, power outages and closed roadways.

    Oahu Civil Defense officials said the intensity of Thursday's storm took them by surprise.

    "I've been through a lot of flood operations. This came in very, very fast very, very strong with a lot of water. It was a very, very intense period of rain, but it went fast. So it's kind of a blessing on that part, too," Civil Defense spokesman John Cummings said.

    Pumping floodwaters and clearing roads of debris were the first priority for emergency management teams.

    Although Oahu saw the worst of the storm, Civil Defense officials warned Oahu residents not to let their guard down just yet. The ground is saturated which means there is still the potential for flooding.

    There are no injuries reported.

    Initial inspections show there are no damages to the city's infrastructure.

    Officials opened four shelters on Oahu. (Read More)

    Here are some of the rainfall totals on Oahu from the morning.

    Rainfall Totals (2 a.m.-8 a.m. in inches)
  • South Fork Kaukonahua Stream 11.50
  • Schofield Barracks 10.16
  • Makaha Stream 10.02
  • Punalu`u Pump 9.66
  • Poamoho #2 9.50
  • Mililani 9.01
  • Poamoho 8.40
  • Waiawa Correctional Facility 8
  • O`ahu Forest NWR 7.66
  • Wai`anae 7.31
  • Ki`i 7.26
  • Wai`anae Valley 7.09
  • Links We Like

    In the workplace it’s the little things that get you noticed and help you stand out above the rest. Do these things and increase your chances for a promotion. More

    If your credit is shabby, you'll need to shore up your score to convince a lender you're worthy. Here's how to boost your point total. More

    Exercise has many benefits for people with ADHD, including improved attention spans, focus, and even sleep patterns. More

    To get the best possible treatment it is vitally important that you correctly diagnose the specific type of cancer you or a loved one has. More

    Sponsored Links