Residents along Oahu’s North Shore are bracing for potential flooding as the Wahiawa Dam nears its critical level following heavy rainfall on Friday. The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management issued an evacuation warning for areas from Waialua to Haleiwa, urging residents to prepare to leave or evacuate immediately “out of an abundance of caution.” This warning follows a mandatory evacuation order already in effect for the Otake Camp area due to ongoing flooding.
The situation escalated as the reservoir’s water level reached 83 feet as of 6 p.m. Saturday, according to Dr. Randal Collins, director of the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management. The dam is considered at risk of failure at 90 feet. “There is a risk of dam failure,” Collins stated, adding that a breach could result in “catastrophic flooding” downstream.
Officials are closely monitoring the reservoir and anticipate a band of heavy rain, potentially including thunderstorms, between 8 p.m. And 10 p.m. Saturday. The forecast calls for an additional two to five inches of rainfall, though thunderstorms could bring unpredictable, localized downpours. This uncertainty is driving the proactive evacuation measures, Collins explained. “That uncertainty is one of the substantial reason why we are leaning forward on this and taking the caution that we’re taking here.”
Evacuation Orders and Shelter Information
The mandatory evacuation order remains in effect for Otake Camp. The evacuation warning extends to residents from Waialua to Haleiwa. Those who require more time to evacuate are strongly encouraged to leave immediately. The Department of Emergency Management aims to initiate a full evacuation two hours before any threatening damage to the reservoir or potential failure occurs.
Several evacuation shelters have been established for those displaced by the warnings. These include Wailua Height High and Intermediate School (located outside the evacuation zone), Kahuku Elementary School and George Fred Wright Wahiawa District Park. Individuals evacuating are advised to bring essential supplies, including sleeping gear, clothing, water, food, medications, important documents, and phone chargers, sufficient for up to three days.
As of Saturday evening, the dam has not exhibited any signs of structural damage, according to Collins. Residents can view a map of the affected areas and evacuation zones at p.veoci.com/hnlevac.
Ongoing Monitoring and Weather Forecast
The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management continues to monitor the situation closely, coordinating with weather services to track the approaching storm system. The potential for additional rainfall raises concerns about the reservoir’s capacity and the risk of exceeding the critical 90-foot level. The National Weather Service is forecasting continued heavy rains across Oahu and Kauai, exacerbating the flood risk. KITV News reports that flooding has already prompted evacuation orders in Waialua.
The situation remains fluid, and residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and heed all warnings and instructions from the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management. The potential for dam failure underscores the importance of preparedness and swift action in the face of severe weather events.
As the storm system progresses, officials will continue to assess the risk and provide updates to the public. The next critical checkpoint will be monitoring the reservoir’s water level throughout the night and early morning hours, as well as tracking the intensity and path of the approaching rainfall. Residents should remain vigilant and prepared for potential further action.
Please share this information with your friends and family on the North Shore and leave a comment below if you have any questions or concerns.
