Strong winds and flooding sweep across Hawaii as leaders warn residents to stay off roads

A storm settles over the islands

The storm arrived early Sunday and did not let go. Wind pressed against homes. Rain drummed on roofs. Streets turned slick in minutes. Across Hawaii, communities faced the same scene. Dark clouds. Power flickers. Water rising along curbs.

Governor Josh Green addressed the public from the Hawaii State Capitol on Sunday, Feb. 8. State and federal officials stood beside him as they described a severe weather system affecting the islands with strong winds, flooding threats, and power outages.

The message was direct. Conditions remained dangerous. Residents were urged to prepare, limit travel, and follow official alerts as the storm continued into Monday.

Maui County: fallen trees, dark signals, closed parks

On Maui, the storm showed its force street by street. In Wailuku, HI, officials asked people to stay off the roads. Along Hāna Highway in Keʻanae and in parts of Kahului, traffic lights went dark after trees came down and power lines failed. Crews moved from corner to corner, clearing drains and cutting branches. The wind stayed strong. The rain stayed steady.

Floodwater pushed into parks. Kepaniwai Heritage Park closed. The third entrance to Kanaha Beach Park closed. Standing water spread across low spots.

Maui remained under a Flood Watch and a High Wind Warning until Monday afternoon. Winds could reach 45 miles per hour with stronger gusts. Power outages remained possible. Officials urged residents to charge devices, gather supplies, and track alerts as conditions shifted.

Shelter was available at Ka Hale A Ke Ola in Wailuku, with more locations to be announced if conditions worsened.

Hawaii County: travel discouraged as winds climb

Across Hawaii County, the tone grew more urgent. In Hilo, HI, residents were told to stay home unless travel was necessary. Wind and rain strengthened through the day. Gusts in some areas were expected to exceed 60 miles per hour.

Emergency shelters opened in North Hilo, Hamakua, and Kohala. County parks and trash drop off sites closed. Non essential county services were set to close on Monday. The mayor signed an emergency order to speed response efforts. Crews were positioned. Equipment was ready.

Public transportation shifted as some Hele On bus routes were canceled or changed due to unsafe road conditions. Officials asked residents to report damage and follow Civil Defense alerts as the storm continued to unfold.

Kauaʻi: fast water, downed lines, sudden closures

On Kauaʻi, Hawaii, emergency officials urged people to avoid unnecessary travel. The weather worsened through the day. Heavy rain swept across valleys. Wind rattled trees. Thunderstorms rolled through. Flooding could develop quickly. Gusts could reach 60 miles per hour.

Emergency shelters remained on standby. Transfer stations and the Kekaha Landfill could close with little notice due to safety risks.

The National Weather Service warned of fallen trees, downed power lines, and dangerous roads. Officials told residents to stay away from flooded streets, rising streams, and fast moving water.

“Unplug appliances during outages and stay away from downed lines," utility officials advised. Residents were urged to charge important devices and avoid hiking, swimming, and river activity until conditions improved.

Oʻahu: emergency center activated as hazards spread

On Honolulu, HI, the City and County activated the Oʻahu Emergency Operations Center at 7 a.m. Sunday. Advisories expanded. Outages spread. Roads flooded in low lying areas.

Emergency officials urged residents to stay alert and avoid flooded roads. They warned against walking or driving through rising water. They advised people to move to higher ground if evacuation became necessary and to avoid touching wet electrical equipment.

Updates continued through official alert systems as the storm remained in place. The wind pressed on. The rain returned in waves. The hazards stayed close.