Hurricane Lala causes deadly crash, widespread power outages and flooding on Hawaii's Big Island
A Category 1 hurricane moving northwest offshore has killed one person, left about 70% of the Big Island without power and triggered flash-flood emergencies as heavy rain and strong winds continue across the Hawaiian Islands.
Hurricane Lala, a Category 1 system tracking northwest offshore of the Hawaiian Islands, has caused a storm-related traffic fatality and extensive power loss on the Big Island, where roughly 70% of customers are without electricity. Governor Josh Green confirmed the death and said a State of Emergency remains in effect.
A flash-flood emergency has been declared as torrential rains, measured at 15-17 inches in some areas over the past 12 hours, push rivers such as the Wailuku River to near-record levels. Officials report at least two homes have been swept away and mudslide risk is high.
The National Hurricane Center reports sustained winds of 75 mph as Lala moves at about 10 mph toward Oahu and Kauai. Forecasts indicate the storm will continue to bring heavy rain, damaging winds, high surf and coastal flooding across Maui, Molokai, Oahu, Lanai and Kauai later Sunday.
"Lala poses a serious threat to our state, particularly Hawaiʻi Island," Governor Green said in a statement after declaring the emergency.
Waves up to 25 feet have battered the eastern shorelines, and the storm is expected to produce rain totals approaching two feet, heightening the danger of flash flooding and landslides.