Tropical storm Lala began impacting Hawaii’s Big Island early Saturday, with the possibility of intensifying into a hurricane or bringing hurricane-level winds as it nears land. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued a rare hurricane warning for the island, which has not faced a direct hurricane landfall in over a century and a half.
Forecasts indicate that high elevations could receive up to 635 millimeters of rainfall, posing a risk of life-threatening mudslides in mountainous regions where individuals reside in makeshift homes off the grid. Governor Josh Green described the storm as significant, with tropical storm-force winds extending up to 350 kilometers and expected to reach Oahu and Kauai by Sunday morning.
The potential impacts include severe flooding and potential wildfires fueled by strong winds in the islands. A hurricane warning was in place for the Big Island, while Maui County, Oahu, and Kauai County were under tropical storm warnings.
Even if Lala falls short of becoming a hurricane upon landfall, the NHC warned of increased wind speeds in elevated areas, potentially reaching nearly hurricane force. Historical records show that a Category 3 hurricane hit the Big Island in 1871. The current trajectory suggests Lala making landfall near the southern tip of the island.
Authorities and residents prepared for the storm’s effects, with shelters set to open and events canceled. The NHC projected significant rainfall amounts across Maui and the lower elevations of the Big Island, warning of life-threatening flooding, mudslides, storm surges, and dangerous ocean conditions.
As of 5 a.m. local time, Lala was located southeast of South Point, Hawaii, with sustained winds of 100 km/h, moving west-northwest at 20 km/h. State officials emphasized the importance of taking the storm seriously, urging residents to stay vigilant and seek safe shelter.
The potential impact on Hawaii’s agriculture sector, particularly in areas still recovering from past flooding, raised concerns among growers. Dry and breezy conditions accompanying the storm heightened wildfire risks across the islands. The memory of Lahaina’s 2023 fire during extreme winds served as a reminder of the importance of weather awareness.
In the context of past hurricane events in Hawaii, such as Hurricane Iniki in 1992, officials and residents remained cautious due to the potential impacts of tropical storm Lala in the region.
