HONOLULU (AP) – Tropical Storm Lala is forecasted to strengthen into a hurricane as it approaches Hawaii's Big Island this weekend. The National Hurricane Center has indicated that Lala is expected to reach hurricane strength by Saturday, bringing with it heavy rain and strong winds that pose risks of destructive flooding and increased wildfire activity. If Lala makes landfall on the Big Island, it will mark the first hurricane to hit the island since 1871, when a Category 3 hurricane impacted the northeast corner of the island.
Meteorologist Vanessa Almanza from the National Weather Service in Honolulu stated, "This is the first time since satellites," referring to the significance of this event. A hurricane warning is currently in effect for the Big Island, while a tropical storm warning is applied to Maui County, which includes the islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe.
Officials and residents are preparing for Lala regardless of whether it makes direct landfall. Shelters are set to open, and numerous events have been canceled in anticipation of the storm. Almanza stressed that "it doesn’t take landfall to create destruction," stating that significant impacts can be felt outside the hurricane's immediate path.
The National Hurricane Center has warned of possible rainfall totals ranging from 8 to 12 inches (20.3 to 30.5 centimeters) across Maui and the Big Island, with localized maximum totals potentially reaching 25 inches (63.5 centimeters) on the Big Island. Additionally, 4 to 6 inches (10.2 to 15.2 centimeters) of rain are expected throughout the island chain. The center also cautioned about potential life-threatening flooding, mudslides in steep terrain, and a dangerous storm surge with ocean swells likely creating hazardous surf and rip current conditions.
Governor Josh Green characterized Lala as "an enormous storm" and urged residents to take it seriously. State Representative Jeanné Kapela, who represents areas in the storm’s potential path, emphasized the importance of vigilance among residents, especially those living in remote areas or in unpermitted structures. Kapela expressed concern for vulnerable communities, highlighting the region's agricultural activities, which include coffee and cattle farming.
Green advised residents to prepare accordingly, suggesting those with vulnerable homes consider staying with friends or family. He acknowledged the ongoing recovery from devastating flooding that recently affected various parts of the state. Brian Miyamoto, executive director of the Hawaii Farm Bureau, noted that farmers are particularly worried about the potential for significant rainfall to cause damage as many are still recovering from previous flooding incidents.
With winds increasing across the islands, there were currently no red flag warnings in effect; however, Almanza mentioned that dry and breezy conditions raise fire concerns. The disastrous events in Lahaina earlier this year, which occurred amid high winds from a distant hurricane, have heightened awareness among residents regarding fire dangers.
As of Friday afternoon, Tropical Storm Lala was about 275 miles (440 kilometers) east-southeast of South Point, Hawaii, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (100 kph) and moving west-northwest at 14 mph (22 kph). The threshold for Category 1 hurricane status is 74 mph (46 kph).
Steven Businger, a professor at the University of Hawaii who researched the historical hurricane that struck the Big Island in 1871, remarked on Lala’s potential impacts. While the storm is projected to make landfall, he noted that its path has been trending southward with each forecast update. Historically, Kauai has experienced the highest number of hurricane landfalls, with Hurricane Iniki, which struck in 1992, being one of the most notable events. Governor Green recalled the devastating aftermath of Iniki, which caused billions in damages and loss of life, underlining the unpredictability of storm trajectories.
