Tropical Storm Lala threatens Hawaii as hurricane watch issued
Tropical Storm Lala, located about 700 miles east-southeast of the Hawaiian Islands, is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds and dangerous surf, prompting a hurricane watch for the Big Island.
A tropical storm that formed Thursday in the central Pacific is moving toward Hawaii and could intensify to near-hurricane strength, prompting the National Hurricane Center to issue a hurricane watch for the Big Island. The system, named Lala, is currently about 700 miles (1,127 km) east-southeast of the islands with sustained winds of 40 mph (64 kph) and is tracking westward.
Forecasters expect rain to begin late Friday across the Hawaiian chain, with total accumulations of 5-10 inches (13-25 cm) possible and isolated amounts up to 20 inches (51 cm). Such rainfall could trigger flooding and mudslides, while strong winds and high surf are also anticipated.
The hurricane watch, which signals that hurricane-force conditions are possible within 48 hours, reflects the storm’s projected strengthening as it approaches the islands. In the same region, Tropical Storm Hernan also formed Thursday but remains far from land, located roughly 1,460 miles (2,350 km) west of the southern tip of Baja California with winds near 45 mph (72 kph).