Hawaii experienced its worst flooding in decades from Kona storms in March 2026, with NASA imagery revealing flooded areas and sediment plumes.
In March 2026, back-to-back Kona low-pressure systems struck Hawaii, delivering torrential rains that caused widespread flooding on the island of Oʻahu. The storms siphoned moisture from the tropics, producing slow-moving thunderstorms with destructive rainfall.
The National Weather Service reported rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches (13 to 26 centimeters) across the state from March 11 to 15, 2026, with some areas receiving more than 30 inches. Weather stations in Honolulu, Hilo, Līhuʻe, and Kahului broke daily rainfall records during this period.
Flooding Captured by Satellite
NASA satellite images from the Operational Land Imager on Landsat 9 show the contrast before and after the storms. On January 25, 2026, the area between Mokuleia and Waialua appeared normal with green farmland and clear coastal waters. By March 14, 2026, floodwaters had pooled across neighborhoods and farmland, with a red-brown sediment plume spreading into Kaiaka Bay.
Preliminary assessments indicate that hundreds of homes on Oʻahu sustained damage from the flooding. Farmers reported millions of dollars in losses due to inundated fields, as noted in news reports from the time.
The storms also brought strong winds, with gusts between 60 and 75 miles per hour (97 and 121 kilometers per hour) across the state, and some areas experiencing gusts up to 100 miles per hour. As many as 115,000 residents on Oʻahu faced power outages in the aftermath.
NASA's Response to the Disaster
NASA activated its Disasters Response Coordination System to assist the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. The team provided maps and data products through an open-access portal as new information became available, supporting recovery efforts.
While the most intense rains subsided by March 24, 2026, forecasters continued monitoring for potential flash floods. This event highlighted the impact of subtropical weather systems on Hawaii's vulnerable landscapes.
More Coverage
- NASA Relocates PC-12 Aircraft to Boost Agency-Wide Flight Research
- Tropical Cyclone Narelle Makes Multiple Landfalls Across Northern Australia in March 2026
- NASA Captures Satellite Images of Vibrant Wildflower Blooms in California's Carrizo Plain
- WMO Warns Earth's Climate More Unbalanced Than Ever in 2025 Report
