Hawaii is bracing for a volatile stretch of winter weather as a powerful storm system sweeps across the islands, bringing a combination of heavy rain, damaging winds, mountain snow and hazardous surf. As of Sunday, February 8, 2026, a suite of watches and warnings is in effect statewide, and officials are warning residents and visitors to expect power outages, road closures and rapidly changing conditions through at least Monday. The evolving situation has turned this weekend into an island-wide storm watch, with authorities urging the public to stay alert, limit nonessential travel and prepare for disruptions.
Storm System Targets All Major Islands
Forecasters with the National Weather Service in Honolulu describe an unusually potent winter system affecting the entire archipelago. A strong high pressure system to the north is tightening the pressure gradient over the state, while a cold front stalls near the central islands, funneling deep tropical moisture overhead. The setup is producing widespread heavy showers, thunderstorms and powerful trade winds that are expected to peak late Sunday into Monday.
A High Wind Warning is in effect for most locations across the state from Sunday morning through Monday evening, coinciding with a Flood Watch that covers all islands. Meteorologists warn that sustained winds may reach 25 to 35 miles per hour in many areas, with frequent gusts up to 60 miles per hour, especially along exposed ridges, leeward downslope regions and channels between islands. At the same time, periods of intense rainfall could trigger flash flooding, particularly on windward slopes and in low lying areas where drainage is poor.
The combination of wind and rain is already straining infrastructure. Earlier in the week, strong winds knocked out power to thousands of customers on Oahu and caused trees to topple onto roads in Windward communities. Utility crews have restored nearly all service but remain on high alert as this new, broader storm phase unfolds. Officials say similar or greater impacts are possible through Monday as the current system intensifies.
Power Outages and Utility Crews on Standby
Electric utilities across Hawaii spent the latter part of the week inspecting lines, trimming trees and staging crews in anticipation of storm related damage. Hawaiian Electric reported that earlier wind events left tens of thousands of customers on Oahu and Maui without power for portions of February 2 and 3, a stark preview of what the current system could bring if conditions worsen. By Saturday evening, only a small number of customers remained without electricity, but the utility cautioned that additional outages are likely as winds strengthen again.
On Oahu, crews have been patrolling known trouble spots, including areas with dense tree cover and older infrastructure that is more vulnerable to gusts. Tree trimming operations ramped up along key roads and near transmission corridors to reduce the risk of branches falling onto lines. Similar efforts have been underway in Maui County and on Hawaii Island, where saturated soils increase the chance that entire trees could topple in strong gusts, taking down lines with them.
Residents are being urged to prepare for the possibility of multi hour outages by charging devices, stocking batteries and flashlights, securing backup power for medical equipment, and making plans to keep refrigerated food safe if the lights go out. Officials emphasize that downed lines should always be treated as live and extremely dangerous. People are advised to stay well clear of any fallen wires and to report them immediately to 911 or the local utility, rather than attempting to move them.
Road Closures and Hazardous Travel Conditions
Heavy rain and high winds are already affecting transportation across the islands, and officials warn that more closures and delays are likely as the storm continues. On Kauai, county authorities have highlighted Kuhio Highway near the Hanalei Bridge on the North Shore as particularly vulnerable to flash flooding. That corridor has a history of closing with little or no advance notice when the Hanalei River rises rapidly, and residents are being reminded that similar conditions could develop again during this event.
Elsewhere, saturated ground and gusty winds are increasing the risk of landslides, falling rocks and downed trees along mountain routes such as Pali Highway and other steep roadways on Oahu, as well as narrow, winding roads on Kauai and Maui. Earlier in the week, crews on Windward Oahu had to remove large fallen trees from Kapaa Quarry Road and other routes after a separate wind surge, and transportation officials say they are prepared to respond again if debris blocks lanes or threatens drivers.
Motorists are being urged to avoid nonessential travel during periods of heavy rain and strongest winds, particularly overnight when visibility is poor and hazards can be difficult to see until it is too late. High profile vehicles, including trucks and some larger SUVs, may be especially vulnerable to crosswinds on exposed highways and bridge spans. In addition, ponding on road surfaces and sudden flash flooding can quickly transform familiar routes into dangerous waterways, making it critical for drivers to obey roadblocks and turn around if they encounter fast moving water.
Island by Island Impacts and Warnings
While the storm is broad in scope, its impacts vary by island and elevation. On Kauai, a High Wind Warning is in effect from Sunday morning through Monday evening, with forecasters calling for east to northeast winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour, strengthening to 25 to 35 miles per hour and gusts up to 60 miles per hour by late Sunday. Officials there are also watching for prolonged heavy showers and thunderstorms as a stalled front lingers near the island, increasing the risk of flash floods, especially in north and east facing valleys and streams.
On Oahu, recent wind related damage and outages highlight ongoing vulnerability. The island remains under the same High Wind Warning and Flood Watch that covers the rest of the state, and earlier storms have already weakened some trees and saturated soils. Honolulu and surrounding communities could see yet another round of downed branches, scattered outages and localized flooding in low lying neighborhoods and along stream channels, particularly if thunderstorms train over the same area for several hours.
Maui County faces a similar threat profile, with strong trades, heavy showers and a risk of flash flooding on both Maui and Molokai. Windward slopes, including the windward Haleakala region and East Maui, may experience intense rainfall that can send water surging into gulches, crossing roads and affecting rural communities. The impacts could be especially pronounced in remote areas where road access is limited and emergency response may be delayed by weather conditions.
On Hawaii Island, the forecast includes not only damaging winds and rain at lower elevations but also winter storm conditions on the summits. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa from Sunday morning through Monday afternoon, with forecasters calling for heavy snowfall, strong winds and near zero visibility at times. The combination will make summit travel extremely dangerous, and authorities are urging the public to avoid heading to high elevations during the warning period.
Flood Threat and Coastal Hazards
Beyond the immediate wind impacts, forecasters are emphasizing the risk of flooding as one of the most serious threats over the next 24 to 36 hours. A Flood Watch is in effect for all Hawaiian Islands through at least Monday afternoon, and meteorologists warn that repeated rounds of heavy rain could trigger flash floods in urban and rural areas alike. Streams and rivers may rise quickly, with little warning, especially where steep topography channels runoff from higher elevations down into narrow valleys and coastal plains.
Low lying communities near river mouths, as well as neighborhoods with poor drainage or older stormwater systems, are particularly susceptible to ponding and overland flow. Residents are being encouraged to move vehicles and equipment out of flood prone driveways and yards, clear gutters and storm drains where safe to do so, and avoid parking under large trees. Authorities stress that drivers should never attempt to cross swollen streams or flooded roadways, as the depth and current can be deceptive and vehicles can be swept away in seconds.
Along the coast, a High Surf Advisory remains in effect for many north and west facing shores, adding another layer of hazard for beachgoers and mariners. Strong winds and rough seas have prompted a Small Craft Advisory and, in some waters, a Gale Warning. Lifeguards are urging visitors and residents to heed warning signs, avoid venturing onto wet rocks or breakwalls, and check with lifeguards before entering the water. Boaters are advised to consider delaying trips until conditions improve, as rapidly changing weather can make rescues difficult or impossible during the peak of the storm.
Emergency Management Response and Public Guidance
State and county agencies are coordinating closely to manage the storm response and keep the public informed. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency has issued statewide advisories urging residents to prepare for possible power outages, road closures and service disruptions from Saturday through Monday, with the most dangerous conditions expected Sunday night into Monday. County emergency management offices on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island are also pushing out local alerts tailored to their communities, including details on potential road closures, shelter information if needed and updates on utility service.
Officials say their primary goals are to protect life and property while minimizing strain on first responders. To that end, they are asking the public to stay off roads during the worst of the weather, avoid risky outdoor activities such as hiking in remote valleys or crossing streams, and use 911 only for life threatening emergencies. Nonemergency questions about road conditions or minor property damage should be directed to county hotlines or nonemergency numbers so that dispatchers can focus on critical calls.
Across the islands, public works crews, utility workers and law enforcement officers are on standby, with equipment such as chainsaws, front loaders and emergency generators checked and ready. In some areas, sandbags have been prepositioned near known flood risk locations, and drainage channels have been cleared where time and conditions allowed. However, officials stress that no amount of preparation can completely eliminate risk during a storm of this magnitude, making individual readiness and caution essential.
How Residents and Visitors Can Stay Safe
Authorities and emergency managers across Hawaii are offering clear guidance for staying safe as the storm unfolds. Households are encouraged to have at least several days of basic supplies on hand, including drinking water, nonperishable food, medications and necessary items for infants, pets and elderly family members. Having flashlights, extra batteries, a battery powered or hand crank radio and fully charged mobile devices can make a significant difference during an extended outage.
Those who rely on electrically powered medical equipment should ensure that backup power sources are available and tested, whether through battery packs, generators or arrangements to stay with friends or family whose homes are less prone to outages. Officials advise using generators only outdoors and away from windows to avoid carbon monoxide buildup, and following all manufacturer safety instructions.
Visitors are being asked to monitor local news and hotel communications closely and to be flexible with travel plans. Outdoor excursions such as hiking, river tours, snorkeling trips and scenic drives may be canceled or postponed for safety reasons. Tourism operators are coordinating with local authorities to make decisions based on the latest forecasts and conditions, and travelers are urged to accept changes and refunds rather than seek alternative activities that could place them in harm’s way.
Looking Ahead as Conditions Slowly Improve
Forecast models suggest that the worst of the high winds and heaviest rain should gradually ease by the middle of the coming week, though breezy trade winds and scattered showers are likely to persist. Even after warnings are downgraded or canceled, hazards may linger in the form of saturated slopes, weakened trees and residual flooding in low lying areas. Road crews may also need time to clear debris and repair damage before all routes can fully reopen.
Officials say the current storm is a reminder that winter in Hawaii can bring serious, sometimes dangerous weather, even in a place more often associated with sunshine and gentle trade winds. The string of recent wind events and outages underscores the importance of preparedness, from individual households to the broader infrastructure that keeps communities functioning.
As the Hawaii storm watch of early 2026 continues, residents and visitors are being urged to remain patient, heed official warnings and exercise caution until the system moves on. With a combination of robust preparation, clear communication and community cooperation, emergency managers hope the islands can weather this episode with minimal injuries and a swift recovery once the skies begin to clear.