On Saturday, August 15, 2026, the Wainaku Street Bridge in Hilo on Hawaii’s Big Island showcased the impact of rising water levels due to Hurricane Lala. Although the storm weakened to a tropical storm by Sunday, it continued to affect the Big Island with hurricane-force gusts.
Rainfall and Wind Conditions
Nearly three feet of rain was anticipated on higher windward slopes, leading to rivers turning into torrents and posing a risk of mudslides. Tropical storm conditions extended westward from Maui to Oahu and Kauai. The National Hurricane Center noted wind speeds over mountains and slopes can be up to 30% stronger than those used to classify storms. Powerful waves battered the Big Island’s coast as Lala passed slowly. Strong winds uprooted palm trees, and rain resulted in swollen waterways.
Power Outages and Damages
More than 130,000 households lost power across Hawaii’s three largest islands, as reported by poweroutage.us. Three hospitals relied on generator power, according to Governor Josh Green. A fatal car accident occurred in the South Point area, and 19 roofs were destroyed. Governor Green stated, “There have been a lot of roads impacted, our crews have already been out to more than 30 sites.”
“What makes this very challenging is that there’s rushing water, there’s debris, and there’s boulders on the road and it’s dark,” said Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda regarding search-and-rescue efforts.
Search and Rescue Efforts
Efforts involving Civil Defense, the National Guard, and Coast Guard launched missions after flash floods swept homes off their foundations in Na’alehu and Wai’ohinu. Conditions with rushing water and debris added complexity.
Upcoming Weather and Preparations
Tropical storm warnings affected Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau. Prospects of destructive flooding and wildfires due to strong winds remained. By Sunday, Lala was 105 miles west-northwest of Kailua-Kona, with winds reaching 70 mph. Forecasters expect it to regain hurricane strength midweek. High-altitude areas like Mauna Kea may experience 35 inches of rain, threatening slopes where many live in improvised housing.
This satellite image released by NOAA shows Tropical Storm Lala over the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
Community Preparedness
Shelters were opened and events canceled. Ranchers kept cattle in open pastures. Residents, still recovering from March floods, took precautions. Bobby Camara, 75, said, “I think stocking up is part of life over here. … You learn to be self-reliant.” Mike Caputo of Keaau prepared his power generator and filled a 10,000-gallon water tank, fearing flash floods and falling trees.
Overall Weather Forecast
Christine Matsuda in Waimea described “big gusts every few minutes rattling the whole house,” alongside unexpected leaks due to heavy rain. The hurricane center expected 8 to 12 inches of rain across Maui and lower elevations of the Big Island, with 4 to 6 inches across the island chain.