Hawaii governor declares state of emergency, warns of ‘disaster occurrence’ from heavy rains

Hawaii Gov. David Ige (D) declared a state of emergency on Monday in response to heavy rains and flooding that is expected across the islands throughout this week.

Heavy winter storms have buffeted Hawaii for the past few days, with the National Weather Service (NWS) warning of possible “catastrophic flooding” in the state. The NWS warned that roads may become unusable and some areas may be at risk of experiencing landslides.

“Hawai‘i is currently experiencing heavy rains beginning December 4, 2021, and based upon all available scientific information and expertise available, Hawaii is in danger of a disaster occurrence of heavy rains, flooding, high winds, and high surf which are forecast to continue through December 8, 2021,” the emergency declaration read.

The disaster emergency relief period is set to end on Dec. 10, unless it is terminated or superseded by a separate proclamation.

Ige wrote on Twitter that the proclamation “allows the state to use finds to support state and county efforts in providing quick and efficient relief of suffering, damage, and losses caused by flooding and other effects of heavy rains.”

The emergency declaration allows the state to use finds to support state and county efforts in providing quick and efficient relief of suffering, damage, and losses caused by flooding and other effects of heavy rains. The emergency relief period continues through Friday, Dec. 10.

— Governor David Ige (@GovHawaii) December 7, 2021

Videos shared on social media showed vehicles wading through the flooded roads. According to Hawaii’s Emergency Management Agency, power outages have occurred in Maui and Oahu, with weather conditions preventing crews from immediately restoring power in some areas.

Motorists navigated flooded streets in Honolulu over the weekend as Hawaii braces for ‘catastrophic’ rainfall, with major flash flooding and landslides possible across multiple islands. https://t.co/ghhDX2IpWF pic.twitter.com/L2EIqklGZl

— ABC News (@ABC) December 6, 2021