Hawaii – Hawaii is bracing for a dangerous weekend as Tropical Storm Lala strengthens in the Pacific and moves toward the Hawaiian Islands.
Lala formed Thursday after the system previously known as Potential Tropical Cyclone One-C became organized enough to receive a name. By Thursday evening, the storm was about 555 miles south-southeast of Hilo and had maximum sustained winds of 60 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The storm was moving northwest, with forecasters warning that conditions could deteriorate across Hawaii beginning late Friday.
Hurricane Warning Issued for the Big Island
The threat escalated Thursday when authorities upgraded the alert for Hawaii County to a hurricane warning.
A hurricane warning means hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area, and residents should be prepared for dangerous weather rather than waiting for the storm to arrive.
Maui County, including Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe, was placed under a tropical storm watch. Hawaii Emergency Management officials said impacts could begin on Hawaii Island between Friday night and Saturday morning before spreading toward Maui Nui and other islands over the weekend.
Lala Could Strengthen Into a Hurricane
Forecasters expect Lala to continue strengthening as it approaches the Big Island.
The storm is forecast to pass near or just south of the Big Island on Saturday, followed by a track south of the smaller Hawaiian islands during the rest of the weekend.
One concern is that winds could become considerably stronger in elevated terrain. Forecasters warn that winds along windward sides and atop hills and mountains can be up to 30% stronger than near-surface winds.
That could create particularly dangerous conditions in exposed and mountainous areas even if the storm’s center remains offshore.
Heavy Rain Could Trigger Life-Threatening Flooding
Rain may become one of the biggest threats from Lala. Forecasters expect widespread rainfall totals of roughly 5 to 10 inches, while some locations could receive as much as 25 inches.
Such rainfall could overwhelm drainage systems, produce rapid runoff and trigger mudslides, especially across steep terrain.
The National Weather Service has warned that the rainfall could result in life-threatening flooding and mudslides, making residents in vulnerable areas especially susceptible to dangerous conditions.
Emergency officials are urging people to stay informed and follow instructions as the storm approaches.
Hawaii Declares State of Emergency
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green declared a state of emergency Thursday ahead of Lala’s arrival.
The proclamation activates potential disaster relief resources and directs state agencies and officers to cooperate in emergency response efforts, including providing services, materials and facilities when needed.
The National Park Service is also taking precautions. Most areas of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island were scheduled to close by Friday afternoon ahead of the storm.
The closures underscore the seriousness of the expected weather and potential hazards.
Tropical Storm Hernan Forms in Pacific
Lala is not the only tropical system being watched in the Pacific.
Tropical Storm Hernan also formed Thursday, but it poses no immediate threat to land. The storm developed about 1,460 miles west of the southern tip of Baja California and is expected to remain away from populated areas.
For Hawaii, however, attention remains firmly focused on Lala. With hurricane conditions possible and potentially dangerous flooding on the way, residents across the islands are being urged to monitor official forecasts closely as the storm approaches.
Do you think Hawaii is prepared for Lala’s potential hurricane impacts? Share your thoughts and concerns in the comments below.
