Tropical Storm Lala began impacting Hawaii’s Big Island early Saturday. Forecasts suggest it may strengthen into a hurricane or bring hurricane-force winds as it nears land. The National Hurricane Center declared a rare hurricane warning for the island, marking a significant event since no direct hurricane landfall occurred in 155 years.
Predictions indicate that higher elevations might receive up to 25 inches of rain, potentially leading to life-threatening mudslides. Residents living in makeshift homes in mountainous regions are advised to seek shelter promptly. Governor Josh Green described the storm as enormous, noting it extends outward up to 220 miles. Oahu and Kauai are expected to experience storm impacts by Sunday morning.
The Big Island is under a hurricane warning, while Maui County, which includes Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe, is under a tropical storm warning. Oahu and Kauai County are also on alert. Even if the storm doesn’t become a hurricane before landfall, wind speeds at higher altitudes could reach nearly hurricane-force levels.
Vanessa Almanza, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, stated that Lala is expected to strike near the southern tip of the Big Island. Authorities and residents are preparing for significant impacts regardless. Shelters are set to open, and some events have been canceled.
The hurricane center forecasts 8 to 12 inches of rain across Maui and lower elevations of the Big Island, with 4 to 6 inches expected across other islands. The storm could cause dangerous flooding, mudslides in steep areas, and a storm surge with life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
As of 5 a.m. Hawaii time, Lala was approximately 110 miles southeast of South Point, Hawaii, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph, moving towards the west-northwest at 13 mph.
State Representative Jeanné Kapela traveled to be closer to constituents on the Big Island. She urged vigilance, particularly for those living in unpermitted structures susceptible to hurricane-force winds. With parts of Hawaii still recovering from March’s flooding, there is concern over additional damage.
Farmers, like Bruce Corker, expressed worry over potential flooding and high winds despite current sunny conditions. The Hawaii Farm Bureau highlighted the stress on growers impacted by earlier floods.
Almanza noted increased wildfire risks due to dry and windy conditions. Extreme winds during hurricane seasons have previously exacerbated wildfire situations. The island of Kauai experienced significant damage in 1992 from Hurricane Iniki. Such storms often occur during El Niño years, which heighten Pacific hurricane activity.
Overall, officials warn of the unpredictable nature of storms and stress the importance of preparedness.
“We just can never know if a storm is going to turn,” emphasized Steven Businger, a University of Hawaii professor, highlighting the storm’s potential unpredictability.