Tropical Storm Lala Brings Heavy Rain, Gusty Winds and Flood Risks to Maui, Oahu and Kauai

Tropical Storm Lala is tracking west-northwest away from the main Hawaiian Islands, but its outer rain bands are still delivering heavy rainfall and gusty winds to Maui County, Oahu and Kauai County. At 11 a.m. Sunday the storm was located about 275 miles west-northwest of Kailua-Kona and 140 miles west of Honolulu, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and a forward speed of 16 mph. A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for the three counties and for Niihau.

Rainfall from the storm is expected to add another 1-2 inches to windward areas of the Big Island and Maui, while other parts of the island chain could see 2-4 inches, with isolated totals of up to 6 inches. Some windward locations on the Big Island could accumulate 30-40 inches overall, raising the risk of flash flooding and mudslides on steep terrain. Authorities advise residents to avoid flooded roads and landslide-prone areas.

Strong gusts are persisting across the affected islands, especially at higher elevations where winds can exceed typical tropical-storm levels. The storm is also generating large east-swell waves that will move westward, creating hazardous surf and rip currents along exposed shorelines. Water levels are likely to stay elevated through the next tide cycle.

Forecasters note that Lala’s intensity is expected to remain steady through Monday, but the system could restrengthen and potentially reach hurricane status by Tuesday or Wednesday as it continues westward before turning west-northwest. Residents are urged to monitor updates from local officials and the National Weather Service and to follow any evacuation or safety directives.