HONOLULU (AP) – On Thursday, Tropical Storm Lala emerged in the Pacific Ocean, prompting the issuance of a hurricane warning for the Big Island of Hawaii. Forecasters have indicated that the storm could bring significant rainfall and flooding to the region over the weekend.
Tropical Storm Lala is projected to begin affecting the Hawaiian Islands late Friday, bringing along high winds and dangerously rough surf, as reported by the National Hurricane Center. In addition, a tropical storm watch has been established for Maui County, suggesting that tropical storm conditions may be experienced within the next 36 to 48 hours.
As of Thursday, Lala was situated approximately 555 miles (890 kilometers) east-southeast of Hawaii, with maximum sustained winds measured at 60 mph (95 kph). The storm is currently moving westward and is forecasted to strengthen into a hurricane as it nears the Big Island, where it is expected to be situated by Saturday.
The issuance of a hurricane warning signifies that hurricane conditions are anticipated, typically being released 36 hours prior to potential tropical-storm-force winds. Lala is predicted to deliver rainfall totals ranging from 8 inches to a foot (up to approximately 30 centimeters) across Maui and the Big Island, while some areas on the Big Island could receive as much as 25 inches (nearly 64 centimeters) of rain, raising concerns for life-threatening flooding and mudslides.
Meanwhile, in another part of the Pacific, Tropical Storm Hernan also formed on Thursday; however, this storm poses no threat to land. At the time of reporting, Hernan was located around 1,460 miles (2,350 kilometers) west of the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsula, with maximum sustained winds recorded at 45 mph (72 kph) and a movement trajectory headed west-southwest.
In the Atlantic Ocean, former Tropical Storm Cristobal has weakened, morphing into a post-tropical remnant low on Thursday. As of the latest updates, it was positioned about 500 miles (805 kilometers) west of the Azores but does not threaten any land areas.
The developments surrounding Tropical Storm Lala highlight the potential for severe weather impacts in Hawaii, with increasing concerns regarding flooding and mudslide risks as the storm approaches.
