Hurricane Lala weakened on Sunday to a tropical storm after impacting Hawaii without making landfall. Its strong rains and winds reportedly swept around 100 homes off their foundations on the Big Island, according to officials. Hawaii Governor Josh Green stated that, fortunately, no fatalities have been recorded thus far, even with a search-and-rescue mission underway in the coastal communities of Na’alehu and Wai’ohinu, located near the southern tip of the Big Island.
As the storm continued to batter the islands, it produced a total of nearly three feet (one meter) of rain in some areas. Local organizer Cynthia Channels, who works with unhoused individuals and families, shared her experience driving around Oahu in her pickup truck, assessing storm damage. “The winds are really bad, people's shingles are falling off the roofs,” Channels reported. Furthermore, Governor Green mentioned that it is still unclear whether a car accident that resulted in one death on Saturday in the South Point area was related to the storm.
The storm adversely affected the islands with significant flooding and widespread power outages. As of midday Sunday, over 200,000 homes and businesses were without electricity, which accounted for nearly two-thirds of customers on the Big Island. Meanwhile, the Honolulu Fire Department received more than 600 weather-related responses, including 147 reports of downed trees, roofs torn off, and downed power lines. “Basically, the best thing to do right now is just stay home for a bit longer,” advised meteorologist Stephen Parker from the weather service.
Most of Hawaii remained under a flash flood warning, although the National Hurricane Center had downgraded the Big Island to a flood advisory by Sunday. Three hospitals were reported to be operating on generator power due to the outages, and substantial damage to roads and small bridges has posed difficulties in reaching certain areas. Governor Green, a medical doctor who previously worked in remote hospitals on the Big Island, stated, “Everyone is safe and healthy, but boy, a lot of work ahead.”
Powerful waves relentlessly crashed against the coast of the Big Island as Lala's eyewall continued to maintain its strength, with gusts reaching over 100 mph (161 kph) recorded at the peak of Mauna Kea volcano. By 11 a.m. local time, Lala was positioned approximately 140 miles (220 kilometers) west of Honolulu, with top sustained winds clocked at 65 mph (100 kph) and moving west-northwest at 16 mph (28 kph). Although the storm was expected to remain relatively stable through Monday, forecasters have suggested that it could return to hurricane strength by Tuesday or Wednesday, well west of the Hawaiian islands.
Areas of the Big Island situated at higher elevations have received as much as 35 inches (89 centimeters) of rain, raising concerns about landslides in regions where approximately 210,000 residents live in improvised housing. In preparation for the storm, local shelters were activated, scheduled events were canceled, and ranchers were warned to leave their cattle in pastures instead of in structures that could collapse. Many residents were still coping with the aftermath of devastating floods that impacted the area in March.
The Punalu’u Bake Shop, a local tourist destination and a significant employer, suffered severe damage from the storm. Manager Zachary Kennedy reported that water inundated their factories and retail space, leaving around three feet (one meter) of mud behind. “This is a different level of damage, it’s literally catastrophic,” Kennedy remarked.
Residents across Hawaii expressed varying emotions as the storm approached. Kate McLellan, a resident on Oahu’s North Shore, experienced a power outage and was monitoring the weather closely. Having previously dealt with significant storms, she noted feelings of uncertainty and anxiety reminiscent of past experiences. Meanwhile, Nicole Clark, staying on Kauai with her family, expressed a sense of community amid adversity, mentioning the support felt during such tough times. “It’s a good feeling during hard times,” she stated.
