The beautiful islands of Hawaii are reeling from their worst flooding in more than two decades. From early to mid-March, powerful rainstorms swept across the islands, drenching communities with record rainfall and causing flash floods. The heavy rain first began around March 13, and by March 15, the rainfall intensified, with many areas receiving 8 to 12 inches of rain over just two days. Thousands of residents were forced to evacuate, and more than 230 people were rescued from floodwaters. The storm caused extensive damage to roads and bridges, and thousands of people were left without electricity. As floodwaters recede, communities are beginning the long process of recovery, with residents and volunteers cleaning mud and debris from homes, and repair crews working to restore roads and bridges.