Overview

• Oprah owns a private road linking Wailea to Kula that could serve as an alternate evacuation route on Maui
• A tsunami warning prompted thousands to flee low-lying areas and social media videos captured hours-long traffic jams on coastal roads
• Online users alleged that Winfrey kept her gate closed during the evacuation, sparking criticism on social platforms
• Winfrey’s spokesperson said law enforcement and FEMA are overseeing the road and escorting up to 50 vehicles at a time for safety
• Hindustan Times and other outlets report they have found no independent evidence to substantiate the refusal claims