Honolulu, Hawaii — Hawaii is preparing for a rapidly intensifying Tropical Storm Lala as the system moves closer to the islands, with forecasters warning that the storm could bring damaging winds, torrential rainfall and dangerous surf beginning Friday and continuing through the weekend.
Lala currently has maximum sustained winds of 60 mph and is expected to strengthen further as it approaches Hawaii. Forecast guidance indicates the storm could reach Category 1 hurricane strength Saturday morning, potentially making it the first hurricane to make landfall in Hawaii in 34 years if the current forecast track holds.
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the Big Island, while additional watches could be issued for other parts of the island chain as Lala gets closer.
The storm could also produce waves exceeding 30 feet, life-threatening flooding, mudslides, destructive wind gusts and dangerous rip currents.
Friday: Rain and Winds Begin Increasing
Friday is expected to begin relatively quietly across Hawaii as Lala continues approaching from the east.
By Friday afternoon, however, rain showers and downpours are expected to become more frequent, particularly across the Big Island and Maui.
Lala’s maximum sustained winds could increase to 65 to 70 mph, while local wind gusts may reach 20 to 30 mph.
The increase in moisture will mark the beginning of a more significant deterioration in weather conditions, especially across areas facing the storm’s approach.
Friday Night: Stronger Winds and Rougher Surf
The weather is expected to become increasingly unsettled Friday night and into early Saturday. Lala is forecast to maintain winds around 70 mph, making it a strong tropical storm as it continues strengthening.
Heavy rainfall will gradually increase across the Big Island, although the heaviest precipitation may initially remain offshore near the storm’s center.
Across Maui and the Big Island, wind gusts could reach 30 to 40 mph ahead of the system. Ocean conditions will also deteriorate, with offshore waves potentially exceeding 15 feet as Lala strengthens.
Saturday: The Most Dangerous Conditions Arrive
Saturday is expected to bring the most significant impacts as Lala makes its closest approach to the Big Island. According to the forecast, Lala could strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane Saturday morning, with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph.
By midday, the heaviest rainfall is expected to reach the Big Island before spreading toward Maui and eventually Oahu.
The combination of intense rainfall and Hawaii’s steep, mountainous terrain could create dangerous conditions, particularly along windward slopes.
Forecasters warn of flash flooding and mudslides, while sustained winds could reach 35 to 55 mph with gusts potentially reaching 60 to 70 mph or higher.
Power outages are also possible. Coastal areas could face strong surf, coastal flooding and storm surge of 1 to 3 feet.
Saturday Night: Flooding Threat Spreads
The core of Lala is expected to move southwest of the island chain Saturday night while maintaining maximum sustained winds around 75 mph.
Wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph could continue across much of Hawaii through the night.
Meanwhile, the heaviest rainfall is expected to shift toward portions of the central and northern islands, including Honolulu and Lihue.
Some locations could receive 5 to 8 inches of rain, increasing the risk of flash flooding. Coastal waves will remain elevated at roughly 6 to 9 feet as the storm’s core moves farther west.
Sunday: Conditions Gradually Improve
The weather should begin improving Sunday, particularly during the afternoon, although gusty winds and scattered showers could continue through the middle of the day.
Storm surge is also expected to decline as Lala moves farther away from Hawaii. By midday Sunday, the storm is forecast to weaken slightly while maintaining winds around 70 mph as it accelerates westward.
Western islands could still experience 20 to 30 mph wind gusts, while calmer conditions gradually return to the Big Island and Maui.
Residents should continue following official warnings even after conditions begin improving, particularly in areas affected by flooding, mudslides or damaged infrastructure.
How are you preparing for Tropical Storm Lala? Share your thoughts and local weather experience in the comments below.
