{"id":10964,"date":"2025-07-22T12:27:49","date_gmt":"2025-07-22T22:27:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/?page_id=10964"},"modified":"2026-06-04T09:40:16","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T19:40:16","slug":"flood","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/flood\/","title":{"rendered":"Flash Flooding"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image10964_6dd628-6a .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image10964_6dd628-6a\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"387\" src=\"https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Rainbow-Falls-credit-USGS-1024x387.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-13988\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Rainbow-Falls-credit-USGS-1024x387.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Rainbow-Falls-credit-USGS-300x113.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Rainbow-Falls-credit-USGS-768x290.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Rainbow-Falls-credit-USGS-1536x581.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Rainbow-Falls-credit-USGS-2048x775.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Rainbow-Falls-credit-USGS-500x189.jpg 500w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Rainbow-Falls-credit-USGS-800x303.jpg 800w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Rainbow-Falls-credit-USGS-1280x484.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Rainbow-Falls-credit-USGS-1920x726.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption><em>Identical perspectives of Rainbow Falls near Hilo show the power of flash flooding. What is normally a serene waterfall (at left) becomes a devastating flood (at right) on the Wailuku River during Hurricane Lane in 2018. Photo credits: United States Geological Survey (USGS).<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-navigation16098-cpt-id{--kb-nav-dropdown-border-top-left-radius:0px;--kb-nav-dropdown-border-top-right-radius:0px;--kb-nav-dropdown-border-bottom-right-radius:0px;--kb-nav-dropdown-border-bottom-left-radius:0px;--kb-nav-dropdown-border-radius-top:0px;--kb-nav-dropdown-border-radius-right:0px;--kb-nav-dropdown-border-radius-bottom:0px;--kb-nav-dropdown-border-radius-left:0px;--kb-nav-dropdown-toggle-border-left:var(--kb-nav-link-border-left);--kb-nav-top-not-last-link-border-bottom:var(--kb-nav-link-border-bottom);}.header-desktop-transparent .wp-block-kadence-navigation16098-cpt-id{--kb-nav-dropdown-toggle-border-left:var(--kb-nav-link-border-left);--kb-nav-top-not-last-link-border-bottom:var(--kb-nav-link-border-bottom);}.item-is-stuck .wp-block-kadence-navigation16098-cpt-id{--kb-nav-dropdown-toggle-border-left:var(--kb-nav-link-border-left);--kb-nav-top-not-last-link-border-bottom:var(--kb-nav-link-border-bottom);}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.wp-block-kadence-navigation16098-cpt-id{--kb-nav-dropdown-toggle-border-left:var(--kb-nav-link-border-left);--kb-nav-top-not-last-link-border-bottom:var(--kb-nav-link-border-bottom);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.header-tablet-transparent .wp-block-kadence-navigation16098-cpt-id{--kb-nav-dropdown-toggle-border-left:var(--kb-nav-link-border-left);--kb-nav-top-not-last-link-border-bottom:var(--kb-nav-link-border-bottom);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.item-is-stuck .wp-block-kadence-navigation16098-cpt-id{--kb-nav-dropdown-toggle-border-left:var(--kb-nav-link-border-left);--kb-nav-top-not-last-link-border-bottom:var(--kb-nav-link-border-bottom);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-navigation16098-cpt-id{--kb-nav-dropdown-toggle-border-left:var(--kb-nav-link-border-left);--kb-nav-top-not-last-link-border-bottom:var(--kb-nav-link-border-bottom);}.header-mobile-transparent .wp-block-kadence-navigation16098-cpt-id{--kb-nav-dropdown-toggle-border-left:var(--kb-nav-link-border-left);--kb-nav-top-not-last-link-border-bottom:var(--kb-nav-link-border-bottom);}.item-is-stuck .wp-block-kadence-navigation16098-cpt-id{--kb-nav-dropdown-toggle-border-left:var(--kb-nav-link-border-left);--kb-nav-top-not-last-link-border-bottom:var(--kb-nav-link-border-bottom);}}<\/style><div class=\"wp-block-kadence-navigation16098-cpt-id kb-nav-desktop-horizontal-layout-stretch kb-nav-tablet-horizontal-layout-stretch kb-nav-mobile-horizontal-layout-stretch navigation-desktop-layout-fill-stretch-false navigation-tablet-layout-fill-stretch-false navigation-mobile-layout-fill-stretch-false navigation-desktop-orientation-horizontal navigation-tablet-orientation-horizontal navigation-mobile-orientation-horizontal wp-block-kadence-navigation\" data-scroll-spy=\"\"><nav class=\"navigation navigation-desktop-style-standard navigation-tablet-style-standard navigation-mobile-style-standard navigation-desktop-dropdown-animation-none navigation-tablet-dropdown-animation-none navigation-mobile-dropdown-animation-none navigation-desktop-collapse-sub-menus-true navigation-tablet-collapse-sub-menus-true navigation-mobile-collapse-sub-menus-true navigation-desktop-parent-toggles-menus-false navigation-tablet-parent-toggles-menus-false navigation-mobile-parent-toggles-menus-false navigation-desktop-parent-active-false navigation-tablet-parent-active-false navigation-mobile-parent-active-false\"><div class=\"menu-container\"><ul class=\"kb-navigation menu collapse-sub-nav-desktop-true collapse-sub-nav-tablet-true collapse-sub-nav-mobile-true\">\n<style>.kb-nav-link-hs2zrah1x > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-highlight-order:3;--kb-nav-link-highlight-icon-order:3;}.kb-nav-link-hs2zrah1x > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-media-max-width:px;}<\/style><li class=\"wp-block-kadence-navigation-link kb-nav-link-hs2zrah1x menu-item\"><div class=\"kb-link-wrap\"><a class=\"kb-nav-link-content\" href=\"#flash-flooding-in-hawaii\">Flash Floods in Hawai\u02bbi<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n\n<style>.kb-nav-link-10964_3c2dbf-17 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-highlight-order:3;--kb-nav-link-highlight-icon-order:3;}.kb-nav-link-10964_3c2dbf-17 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-media-max-width:px;}<\/style><li class=\"wp-block-kadence-navigation-link kb-nav-link-10964_3c2dbf-17 menu-item\"><div class=\"kb-link-wrap\"><a class=\"kb-nav-link-content\" href=\"#prepare-for-floods\">Prepare for Floods<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n\n<style>.kb-nav-link-10964_eff90e-32 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-highlight-order:3;--kb-nav-link-highlight-icon-order:3;}.kb-nav-link-10964_eff90e-32 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-media-max-width:px;}<\/style><li class=\"wp-block-kadence-navigation-link kb-nav-link-10964_eff90e-32 menu-item\"><div class=\"kb-link-wrap\"><a class=\"kb-nav-link-content\" href=\"#during-a-flash-flood\">During a Flash Flood<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n\n<style>.kb-nav-link-10964_95cf64-b1 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-highlight-order:3;--kb-nav-link-highlight-icon-order:3;}.kb-nav-link-10964_95cf64-b1 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-media-max-width:px;}<\/style><li class=\"wp-block-kadence-navigation-link kb-nav-link-10964_95cf64-b1 menu-item\"><div class=\"kb-link-wrap\"><a class=\"kb-nav-link-content\" href=\"#after-a-flood\">After a Flood<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n\n<style>.kb-nav-link-10964_e3fbbe-a7 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-highlight-order:3;--kb-nav-link-highlight-icon-order:3;}.kb-nav-link-10964_e3fbbe-a7 > .kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap.kb-link-wrap{--kb-nav-link-media-max-width:px;}<\/style><li class=\"wp-block-kadence-navigation-link kb-nav-link-10964_e3fbbe-a7 menu-item\"><div class=\"kb-link-wrap\"><a class=\"kb-nav-link-content\" href=\"#flood-tools-and-maps\">Tools &amp; Maps<\/a><\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-default\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"flash-flooding-in-hawaii\">Flash Flooding in Hawai\u02bbi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Flash flooding is a dangerous natural disaster that is common in Hawai\u02bbi. Flash floods have killed 19 people in Hawai\u02bbi in the last 23 years, destroyed hundreds of homes and caused property damage upwards of $250 million.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Flash floods are powerful rushes of water through streams, valleys and streets, usually caused by heavy or excessive rainfall during rainstorms, tropical storms and hurricanes. As this water travels and gathers volume, it can carry dangerous debris like rocks, mud, branches and trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Flash floods can also be caused by dam failures, though this is rare. The Ka Loko Dam failure on the north shore of Kaua\u02bbi in 2006 killed seven people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><style>.kb-image10964_c914cb-e9 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image10964_c914cb-e9\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Flood-damage-to-a-house-on-Maui-December-2007-credit-NOAA-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-13992\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Flood-damage-to-a-house-on-Maui-December-2007-credit-NOAA-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Flood-damage-to-a-house-on-Maui-December-2007-credit-NOAA-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Flood-damage-to-a-house-on-Maui-December-2007-credit-NOAA-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Flood-damage-to-a-house-on-Maui-December-2007-credit-NOAA-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Flood-damage-to-a-house-on-Maui-December-2007-credit-NOAA-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Flood-damage-to-a-house-on-Maui-December-2007-credit-NOAA-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Flood-damage-to-a-house-on-Maui-December-2007-credit-NOAA-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Flood-damage-to-a-house-on-Maui-December-2007-credit-NOAA-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Flood-damage-to-a-house-on-Maui-December-2007-credit-NOAA-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption><em>A flow of water, logs and other large debris struck this house on Maui and completely washed away another home during a flash flood in 2007. Photo credit: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).<\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:60%\"><style>.kb-image10964_006bf9-0c.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image10964_006bf9-0c .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:667px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image10964_006bf9-0c.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image10964_006bf9-0c .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image10964_006bf9-0c figure{max-width:667px;}.kb-image10964_006bf9-0c .image-is-svg, .kb-image10964_006bf9-0c .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image10964_006bf9-0c .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image10964_006bf9-0c\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/waipio-valley-canva-photo-1024x684.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-13990\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/waipio-valley-canva-photo-1024x684.png 1024w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/waipio-valley-canva-photo-300x201.png 300w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/waipio-valley-canva-photo-768x513.png 768w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/waipio-valley-canva-photo-1536x1027.png 1536w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/waipio-valley-canva-photo-2048x1369.png 2048w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/waipio-valley-canva-photo-500x334.png 500w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/waipio-valley-canva-photo-800x535.png 800w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/waipio-valley-canva-photo-1280x856.png 1280w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/waipio-valley-canva-photo-1920x1283.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption><em>Hawai\u02bbi&#8217;s mountainous environment produces flash flooding, such as in the Waipi\u02bbo Valley (above), where 49 people were rescued during a flash flood in 1979.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s natural environment is conducive to flash flooding. Storm fronts and trade winds come in contact with Hawai\u02bbi&#8217;s tall mountains, pushing the air upward, where it cools and forms clouds and rain. This precipitation gathers in streams and rivulets as it falls down the mountains, causing flash flooding when storms drop a lot of rain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s important to be in tune and respectful of the weather around you. If you observe rain clouds, take care to avoid streams and low-lying areas where flash flooding may occur. Play it safe and stay on high ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sign up for local emergency alerts at <a href=\"https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/get-ready\/\">ready.hawaii.gov\/alerts<\/a>. The National Weather Service will notify you by text message if they detect the possibility of flash flooding in your area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Take note of the types of areas that are more prone to flash flooding:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Streams:<\/strong> Established streams can quickly overflow and carry dangerous debris when rainfall is heavy.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Valleys:<\/strong> Valleys can become conduits for flash flood waters and debris, even if they don\u2019t typically have water flowing. Excessive rain will discharge into these low points.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Streets and urban neighborhoods:<\/strong> In areas with paved surfaces &#8211; like cities, villages, campuses and parking lots \u2013 water cannot soak into the ground. These solid surfaces will hold and transport stormwater and debris.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\"><style>.kb-image10964_4fd392-d3 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image10964_4fd392-d3\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"724\" src=\"https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Hurricane-Lane-flooding-credit-HCCDA-scaled-e1763588957440-1024x724.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-13999\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Hurricane-Lane-flooding-credit-HCCDA-scaled-e1763588957440-1024x724.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Hurricane-Lane-flooding-credit-HCCDA-scaled-e1763588957440-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Hurricane-Lane-flooding-credit-HCCDA-scaled-e1763588957440-768x543.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Hurricane-Lane-flooding-credit-HCCDA-scaled-e1763588957440-1536x1086.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Hurricane-Lane-flooding-credit-HCCDA-scaled-e1763588957440-500x353.jpg 500w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Hurricane-Lane-flooding-credit-HCCDA-scaled-e1763588957440-800x565.jpg 800w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Hurricane-Lane-flooding-credit-HCCDA-scaled-e1763588957440-1280x905.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Hurricane-Lane-flooding-credit-HCCDA-scaled-e1763588957440.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption><em>Paved surfaces such as streets and parking lots become conduits for floodwaters. Photo credit: Hawai\u02bbi County Civil Defense Agency.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\"><style>.kb-image10964_69e3c7-1e .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image10964_69e3c7-1e size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"776\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Hurricane-vs.-flood-insurance-final-776x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-14004\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Hurricane-vs.-flood-insurance-final-776x1024.png 776w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Hurricane-vs.-flood-insurance-final-227x300.png 227w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Hurricane-vs.-flood-insurance-final-768x1014.png 768w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Hurricane-vs.-flood-insurance-final-500x660.png 500w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Hurricane-vs.-flood-insurance-final-800x1056.png 800w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Hurricane-vs.-flood-insurance-final.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 776px) 100vw, 776px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"prepare-for-floods\">Prepare Your Family and Home Before Flooding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Sign up for emergency alerts at <a href=\"https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/get-ready\/\">ready.hawaii.gov\/alerts<\/a>:<\/strong> The National Weather Service and local government officials will send the latest information, including Flash Flood Warnings, to your cell phone.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Know your risk:<\/strong> Use the tools in the next section to evaluate flood risks where you live.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Purchase flood insurance:<\/strong> Standard insurance doesn\u2019t cover flooding. Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.floodsmart.gov\/\">floodsmart.gov<\/a> for information on the National Flood Insurance Program.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Have emergency supplies ready:<\/strong> Make sure you have enough food, water, communication backups and power backups to last you several days.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prepare your property:<\/strong> Clear drains and gutters to improve drainage. Install a battery-operated sump pump. Move valuable items to higher levels.&nbsp;<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Document your household inventory:<\/strong> Take photos or videos of belongings in your home. These can be useful for insurance claims.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Keep important documents safe and backed up:<\/strong> Create digital copies of important documents like identification and insurance policies. Keep physical copies in a safe, dry place, like a waterproof container.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"during-a-flash-flood\">Protecting Yourself During Flash Floods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Evacuate immediately when ordered:<\/strong> Flash flooding happens very quickly. If you are ordered to evacuate, do it immediately.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Move to higher ground, or the highest level of a building:<\/strong> Avoid attics or basements, where you can become trapped. Get to the highest floor with windows. As a last resort, go onto your roof if you can get there safely and keep your footing.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Do not enter, cross or drive through floodwaters:<\/strong> Floodwaters are powerful, full of debris and contain hazards that cannot be seen. Entering floodwater has a high risk of drowning and injury. Even vehicles are easily washed away by moving water. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><style>.kb-image10964_0fc732-77 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image10964_0fc732-77 size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"838\" src=\"https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Road-flooded-closed-canva-photo-scaled-e1763592195825-1024x838.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-14009\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Road-flooded-closed-canva-photo-scaled-e1763592195825-1024x838.png 1024w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Road-flooded-closed-canva-photo-scaled-e1763592195825-300x245.png 300w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Road-flooded-closed-canva-photo-scaled-e1763592195825-768x628.png 768w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Road-flooded-closed-canva-photo-scaled-e1763592195825-1536x1257.png 1536w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Road-flooded-closed-canva-photo-scaled-e1763592195825-500x409.png 500w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Road-flooded-closed-canva-photo-scaled-e1763592195825-800x655.png 800w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Road-flooded-closed-canva-photo-scaled-e1763592195825-1280x1047.png 1280w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Road-flooded-closed-canva-photo-scaled-e1763592195825.png 1728w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><style>.kb-image10964_755962-08 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image10964_755962-08\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"927\" src=\"https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Iao-Valley-Monument-flooding-September-2016-credit-DLNR-scaled-e1763594522270-1024x927.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-14011\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Iao-Valley-Monument-flooding-September-2016-credit-DLNR-scaled-e1763594522270-1024x927.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Iao-Valley-Monument-flooding-September-2016-credit-DLNR-scaled-e1763594522270-300x272.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Iao-Valley-Monument-flooding-September-2016-credit-DLNR-scaled-e1763594522270-768x696.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Iao-Valley-Monument-flooding-September-2016-credit-DLNR-scaled-e1763594522270-1536x1391.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Iao-Valley-Monument-flooding-September-2016-credit-DLNR-scaled-e1763594522270-2048x1855.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Iao-Valley-Monument-flooding-September-2016-credit-DLNR-scaled-e1763594522270-500x453.jpg 500w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Iao-Valley-Monument-flooding-September-2016-credit-DLNR-scaled-e1763594522270-800x725.jpg 800w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Iao-Valley-Monument-flooding-September-2016-credit-DLNR-scaled-e1763594522270-1280x1159.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Iao-Valley-Monument-flooding-September-2016-credit-DLNR-scaled-e1763594522270-1920x1739.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption><em>Hazardous trail conditions exist after flash floods, such as this 2016 flash flood at \u02bbI\u0101o State Monument on Maui. Follow official guidance and warnings. Photo credit: Hawai\u02bbi State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).<\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"after-a-flood\">Staying Safe After a Flash Flood<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Follow official instructions:<\/strong> Wait until officials say it is safe to return home or to use drinking water.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stay away from floodwater:<\/strong> Floodwater may contain dangerous debris, be contaminated with sewage, or be electrically charged.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Avoid flood damage:<\/strong> Stay away from downed power lines, damaged structures, and dangerous debris like broken glass and sharp objects.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Don\u2019t swim, surf or snorkel:<\/strong> After heavy rains, contaminated brown water can run off into the ocean or swimming pools.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Don\u2019t hike:<\/strong> Mountain trails are dangerous after a heavy rain. Terrain can be muddy, unstable and prone to landslides.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"flood-tools-and-maps\">Flash Flooding Maps &amp; Tools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><style>.kb-image10964_620c10-c4 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image10964_620c10-c4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1917\" height=\"1006\" src=\"https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/National-Water-Dashboard-screenshot.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-13994\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/National-Water-Dashboard-screenshot.png 1917w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/National-Water-Dashboard-screenshot-300x157.png 300w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/National-Water-Dashboard-screenshot-1024x537.png 1024w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/National-Water-Dashboard-screenshot-768x403.png 768w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/National-Water-Dashboard-screenshot-1536x806.png 1536w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/National-Water-Dashboard-screenshot-500x262.png 500w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/National-Water-Dashboard-screenshot-800x420.png 800w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/National-Water-Dashboard-screenshot-1280x672.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1917px) 100vw, 1917px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dashboard.waterdata.usgs.gov\/app\/nwd\/en\/\">National Water Dashboard<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">USGS map of streams, rivers and other waterbodies. Tools include stream flow monitors, water levels, and water quality; weather conditions including precipitation and radar; and base maps including satellite imagery, streets and topography.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><style>.kb-image10964_16ffbe-66 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image10964_16ffbe-66 size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fhat.hawaii.gov\/\" class=\"kb-advanced-image-link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"514\" src=\"https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/FHAT-screenshot-1024x514.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-13991\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/FHAT-screenshot-1024x514.png 1024w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/FHAT-screenshot-300x151.png 300w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/FHAT-screenshot-768x386.png 768w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/FHAT-screenshot-1536x772.png 1536w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/FHAT-screenshot-500x251.png 500w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/FHAT-screenshot-800x402.png 800w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/FHAT-screenshot-1280x643.png 1280w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/FHAT-screenshot.png 1909w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fhat.hawaii.gov\/\">Flood Hazard Assessment Tool<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Enter your address or move around this map provided by Hawai\u02bbi Dept. of Land &amp; Natural Resources (DLNR). Once you\u2019ve found your flood hazard zone, head to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.floodsmart.gov\/flood-zones-and-maps\/what-is-my-flood-zone\">floodsmart.gov<\/a> for a description of the hazard levels.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><style>.kb-image10964_737552-55 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image10964_737552-55 size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dams.hawaii.gov\/Map.aspx\" class=\"kb-advanced-image-link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"516\" src=\"https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Hawaii-Dam-Inventory-System-screenshot-1024x516.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-13993\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Hawaii-Dam-Inventory-System-screenshot-1024x516.png 1024w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Hawaii-Dam-Inventory-System-screenshot-300x151.png 300w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Hawaii-Dam-Inventory-System-screenshot-768x387.png 768w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Hawaii-Dam-Inventory-System-screenshot-1536x773.png 1536w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Hawaii-Dam-Inventory-System-screenshot-500x252.png 500w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Hawaii-Dam-Inventory-System-screenshot-800x403.png 800w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Hawaii-Dam-Inventory-System-screenshot-1280x644.png 1280w, https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/files\/2025\/11\/Hawaii-Dam-Inventory-System-screenshot.png 1895w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dams.hawaii.gov\/Map.aspx\">Hawai\u02bbi Dam Inventory System<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Information on state-regulated dams, including hazard level, condition, evacuation maps, inspection status and dam characteristics. &nbsp;For a description of hazard and condition classifications, <a href=\"https:\/\/dlnreng.hawaii.gov\/dam\/\">you must also navigate here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Resources &amp; Partners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dlnr.hawaii.gov\/\">Hawai\u02bbi State Department of Land and Natural Resources<\/a><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.floodsmart.gov\/\">Floodsmart.gov \u2014 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Flash Flooding in Hawai\u02bbi Flash flooding is a dangerous natural disaster that is common in Hawai\u02bbi. Flash floods have killed 19 people in Hawai\u02bbi in the last 23 years, destroyed [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":197,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"3020,2990,4669,4885,2955,2982","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-10964","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10964","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/197"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10964"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10964\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16102,"href":"https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10964\/revisions\/16102"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dod.hawaii.gov\/hiema\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10964"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}