Khaberni - Hawaii Islands experienced the worst flooding in more than 20 years, as heavy rain fell on soil already saturated due to a winter storm a week earlier, and officials expected more rain over the weekend.
Flood waters swept vast areas of the north shore of Oahu, an area globally famed for high-wave surfing. The heavy waters washed away homes and cars, prompting evacuation orders for 5500 people north of Honolulu. Authorities warned of the potential collapse of a 120-year-old dam.
Governor Josh Green said that the damages from the storm could exceed one billion US dollars, including those to airports, schools, roads, residents' homes, and Maui hospital in Kula.
Green added in a press conference: "This will have very serious consequences for us as a state."
Most parts of the state were expecting floods, with warnings issued in Haleiwa and Waialua in northern Oahu, according to the National Weather Service.
Green stated that his chief of staff spoke to the White House, and received assurances that the islands would receive federal support.
