A Flood Advisory for Oʻahu is in effect until 8:45 a.m. HST Sunday, March 22, 2026, as another round of heavy showers and thunderstorms sweeps across the southeast half of the island. Officials warn that fast-hitting downpours could trigger rapid runoff and ponding on low-lying roads, making the morning a messy one for drivers.
Official Alert And Timing
The advisory was posted early Sunday by the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, which said heavy showers and thunderstorms will “quickly pass” over the southeast half of Oʻahu. The advisory stays in effect until 8:45 a.m. HST.
The agency also reminds residents that its social accounts are not monitored around the clock, so anyone facing an emergency should skip social media entirely and call 9-1-1.
Forecast And Flood Risk
The National Weather Service in Honolulu has kept flood watches and advisories up as a kona low spins bands of heavy rain across the islands. Forecasters warn that slow-moving thunderstorms can drop short, intense bursts of rain that lead to rapid runoff and localized flooding, especially in poor drainage areas.
What Happened This Week
The latest advisory caps a rough weather stretch for Oʻahu. Earlier in the week, intense storms brought widespread flooding, forced evacuations on the North Shore and raised concerns about the Wahiawa Reservoir. The Associated Press reported dozens of rescues and extensive property damage tied to the earlier flooding.
Safety Steps For Drivers And Residents
Officials are repeating a familiar warning for wet days like this: avoid flooded streets and never drive through standing water. The standard guidance, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown,” is not just a catchy line, it reflects the reality that even shallow, fast-moving water can sweep a vehicle away.
Local emergency managers and the National Weather Service in Honolulu also advise residents downstream of streams or reservoirs to move to higher ground if water levels start to rise, and to check road closure updates before heading out.
Where To Get Updates
Residents are encouraged to keep an eye on the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency’s social feeds for immediate advisories and on the National Weather Service for the latest forecast products. The agency’s early-morning advisory was posted on X…