Tropical Storm Lala threatens Hawaii with heavy rain, strong winds and possible historic landfall
Tropical Storm Lala, moving west-northwest at 13 mph, is expected to bring hurricane-force gusts, storm surge and up to 30 inches of rain to Hawaii’s islands, with the Big Island facing the strongest impacts later today.
Tropical Storm Lala is positioned about 100 miles southeast of South Point on the Big Island and 315 miles southeast of Honolulu, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and a central pressure of 991 mb. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a hurricane warning for Hawaii County and tropical-storm warnings for the other islands as the system tracks west-northwest at 13 mph.
"If Lala’s center crosses directly over the Big Island it would be the first hurricane landfall there in 155 years," said NHC hurricane specialist Bryan Norcross.
The storm’s outer rainbands have already enveloped the eastern and southern shorelines, producing blinding downpours, gusts of 44-45 mph on the slopes and surf that could generate 1-3 feet of storm surge on low-lying areas of the Big Island, with up to 2 feet expected elsewhere. Coastal erosion, dangerous rip currents and localized ocean overwash are forecast through the weekend.
Meteorologists warn that terrain-induced acceleration could push wind speeds on leeward slopes, windward ridges and mountain gaps up to 30 percent above surface estimates, potentially creating gusts near 100 mph in high elevations even if the storm does not make an official landfall.
Rainfall totals are expected to be extreme, with more than 8 inches already recorded on the Big Island and forecasts of up to 30 inches in higher terrain, raising the risk of flash flooding and mudslides. The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources is clearing drainage corridors and urging dam owners to review emergency plans.
Statewide emergency measures include the opening of shelters, cancellation of school and library activities, and a proclamation by Governor Josh Green activating the National Guard. Residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid travel and secure essential supplies.
With hurricane-hunter aircraft withdrawn, forecasters will rely on satellite and coastal radar to monitor Lala’s intensity, which could reach Category 1 strength within the next 12 hours.