- Tropical Storm Lala has formed and is moving toward Hawaii, with wind gusts potentially reaching 100 mph.
- Forecasters warn of dangerous ocean conditions, damaging winds, and heavy rain, with Lala potentially intensifying into a hurricane as it nears the Big Island on August 15.
- Flight cancellations and beach closures have begun as Lala approaches Hawaii Island.
- A hurricane warning has been issued for the Big Island, while a tropical storm warning is in effect for Maui County.
- As of Friday afternoon, Lala is located about 275 miles east-southeast of South Point, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph.
- Conditions are expected to deteriorate over Hawaii Island beginning early Saturday, with surf building throughout the weekend.
- Lala could produce rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches across Maui and the Big Island, with maximum totals of 25 inches possible, leading to life-threatening flooding and mudslides.
- Residents in Hawaiʻi are advised to monitor local forecasts, secure outdoor items, and gather essentials early to prepare for the potentially hazardous conditions brought by Tropical Storm Lala.
- The National Hurricane Center has warned that Lala could cause life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain, along with a dangerous storm surge and ocean swells.
- If Lala makes landfall, it would be the first hurricane to hit the Big Island since 1871.
Tropical Storm Lala is rapidly intensifying as it approaches Hawaii Island, with forecasts indicating it could reach hurricane strength by Saturday. The storm is currently located about 275 miles east-southeast of South Point, Hawaii, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and moving west-northwest at 14 mph.125
As the storm nears, flight cancellations have already begun, with all Alaska/Hawaiian flights canceled as of 2 p.m. Friday, and operations suspended for Saturday. Southwest Airlines has also issued travel advisories, with some flights canceled.3
Residents are urged to prepare for severe weather, including wind gusts potentially reaching 100 mph and rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches across Maui and the Big Island, with maximum totals of 25 inches possible. This could lead to life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in steep terrain.79
A hurricane warning is in effect for the Big Island, marking a rare event as the last hurricane to make landfall there was in 1871. Governor Josh Green emphasized the importance of readiness, advising residents to seek shelter if their homes are not equipped to withstand hurricane conditions.410
The National Hurricane Center has warned of dangerous surf and rip currents, urging those in flood-prone areas to gather essentials and monitor local forecasts closely.
“The National Hurricane Center warns of 8 to 12 inches of rain across Maui and the Big Island, with up to 25 inches possible, causing life-threatening flooding and mudslides. Gov. Josh Green called it 'an enormous storm' and urged residents to hunker down if their homes can't withstand hurricane-force winds.”
Hawaii News Now
AP News
