Hawaii prepares for possible first hurricane landfall in over three decades
Category-one Hurricane Lala threatens the Big Island with heavy rain, strong winds and a potential storm surge, prompting warnings and shelter preparations across the state.
Hawaii is preparing for what could be its first direct hurricane impact since 1992 as Hurricane Lala, with sustained winds of about 75 mph (120 km/h), moves toward the islands. The storm may bring up to 25 inches (63 cm) of rain to the Big Island and generate a storm surge of roughly three feet, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
A hurricane warning has been issued for the Big Island, while tropical storm warnings cover Maui County, Oahu, Kauai and Niihau. Officials have urged residents to ready themselves for severe flooding and mudslides. The NWS warned that “major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues” and that rivers could “rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places.”
Air travel on the island has been heavily disrupted, with about 40 % of flights grounded at Kona International Airport and roughly 80 % canceled at Hilo International Airport. Public shelters are available throughout the Big Island, and the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency advised residents to complete storm-ready preparations and focus on their sheltering plans.
The storm is expected to either make landfall or pass close to the southern tip of the Big Island on Saturday before moving westward, potentially weakening to a tropical storm as it passes the other islands. The last hurricane to strike the Big Island occurred 155 years ago, while the most recent hurricane to affect Hawaii was Category four Iniki in 1992, which caused six deaths and $3 billion in damage.