Hawaii prepares for possible new tropical cyclone as recovery from Hurricane Lala continues

Communities on Hawaii's Big Island are bracing for another tropical system as recovery from Hurricane Lala proceeds. The U.S. Central Pacific Hurricane Center said a depression located about 900 miles east-southeast of Hilo is moving west-northwest and could intensify into a tropical storm later Thursday, potentially passing near or south of the island over the weekend or early next week. The center warned the system could produce up to 15 inches of rain, raising the risk of flooding, mudslides and dangerous rip currents.

Hurricane Lala, the first major Central Pacific hurricane of 2026, left thousands without electricity and caused extensive damage, including 43.54 inches of rain on the island's northeast coast, washed-out homes, and damaged bridges. About 13,200 customers remained without power on Thursday, and Hawaiian Electric estimated that restoring service could take at least two weeks.

Governor Josh Green and other state officials scheduled a news conference to discuss preparations for the approaching system and ongoing recovery efforts. Lala has been linked to two fatalities, including a 60-year-old man found in a pasture and 93-year-old former teacher May Doi, who died while attempting to escape floodwaters.

“She taught grandkids of her students,” said ʻĀina Akamu, a former student and current vice principal, describing Doi’s role in the community.

The hurricane, now well west of the main islands, continues to affect the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, with sustained winds of 90 mph. A charter vessel operating to remove marine debris in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands altered its course to avoid Lala’s projected path.

“We were ready for it,” said Kevin O’Brien, president of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine Debris Project, noting the crew’s vigilance during hurricane season.