Wasiawa Dam failure risk: Haleiwa, Waialua issue flash flood emergency; check evacuation map and shelter list
City of Honolulu issues emergency evacuation order for residents in Waialua and Haleiwa areas after “extremely hazardous flooding” and rapidly rising water levels in Wahiawa dam.
What’s wrong?
according to hawaii news nowAt 9 a.m., the Department of Emergency Management said the dam had not yet failed, but it could fail at any time, causing dangerous flooding in nearby areas.
Just before 8 a.m., the National Weather Service extended flash hours flood The North Oahu State of Emergency warns that although rainfall has slowed, runoff continues and more rain is expected. By 10:30 a.m., the alert was extended to the entire island.
The evacuation zone includes portions of Haleiwa between Puiki Street and Kamehameha Highway, and the Waialua area between Kua Circle and Ota Campground. Officials warned that traffic would be heavy and advised people to carpool when possible.
Shelters and staging areas
The city has opened several shelters and gathering areas for residents and visitors affected by the Cornalo storm. These locations are pet-friendly and will remain open during the storm.
Available shelters include:
- Wahiawa High School (assembly area) 1515 California Ave, Wahiawa
- Nanakuli High School and Intermediate (Evacuation Shelter) 89-890 Nanakuli Ave, Waianae
- Kahuku Elementary School (evacuation shelter) 56-170 Pualalea St, Kahuku
- George Fred Wright Wahiawa Regional Park (evacuation shelter) 1139 Kilani Ave, Wahiawa
Waialua High School and Intermediate are no longer being used as shelters.
Authorities said shelter locations will be updated regularly and if people feel unsafe at any time, they should move to a safe place.
See a list of gathering areas and shelters here.
Power outages and evacuations
According to Citizen BeatAs of late morning, nearly 9,000 people across the island were without power.
As of 6:30 a.m., just over 100 people were sheltering at Waialua High School. The site lost power earlier, but generators came to work.
Later, as the risk of a dam failure increased, officials sent a bus to move 186 people and 45 dogs to higher ground. They were taken to Wasiawa District Park and Leilehua High School.
Traffic disruptions and closures
Severe weather affecting public transportation on Oahu:
- Several bus routes have been suspended, including route 521 and parts of routes 52, 60 and 403
- Handi-Van service is still operating, but travel may be affected in some areas
- Skyline service is running normally
Officials also reported park closures, including Hanauma Bay Preserve and all Honolulu Botanical Gardens. Camping and park activities have been suspended until March 26.
