HONOLULU – Tropical Storm Lala is on its way to Hawaii and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane before it reaches the Big Island this weekend. Forecasters have warned that this storm could bring heavy rainfall and strong winds that may lead to flooding and wildfires.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Lala is predicted to reach hurricane strength as it approaches the Big Island early Saturday morning. If it makes landfall, it would mark the first hurricane to hit the Big Island since 1871, when a Category 3 hurricane struck the northeast corner of the island.
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Vanessa Almanza, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Honolulu, mentioned, “This is the first time we’re tracking such a storm since the advent of satellite technology.” The latest forecasts indicate that Lala could be very close to the southern tip of the Big Island.
A hurricane warning has been issued for the Big Island, and a tropical storm warning is in effect for Maui County, which includes the islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe. Residents are preparing for the possibility of severe weather.
“Even if it doesn’t make landfall, the storm still has the potential to cause destruction,” Almanza said. “Many impacts can be felt even outside the hurricane’s center.”
The National Hurricane Center forecasts that Maui and the Big Island could receive between 8 to 12 inches (20.3 to 30.5 centimeters) of rain, and in some areas of the Big Island, totals could reach as high as 25 inches (63.5 centimeters). The rest of the island chain is expected to see 4 to 6 inches (10.2 to 15.2 centimeters).
There are warnings about “life-threatening flooding and mudslides,” especially in steep terrain, as well as dangerous ocean conditions that could lead to rip currents and high surf.
State Representative Jeanné Kapela, who represents areas in the storm’s potential path, has urged residents to stay alert. “We’re urging everyone to take this storm seriously and find a safe place before conditions worsen,” she advised.
Kapela expressed particular concern for those living off the grid or in unpermitted structures, as the southern part of the island is becoming more populated due to its affordability. Agriculture in this area includes coffee and cattle farming, which may be impacted by the storm.
“We hope the storm passes quickly, but we’re preparing for whatever may come,” she added, emphasizing the importance of vigilance given that parts of the state are still recovering from severe flooding that occurred earlier this year.
Brian Miyamoto, executive director of the Hawaii Farm Bureau, shared that farmers are always anxious when heavy rain is forecasted, especially those still recovering from past floods. Coffee farmer Bruce Corker noted that while Friday was “sunny and beautiful” in Holualoa, he was concerned about potential flooding and high winds.
As the winds pick up across the islands, fire concerns remain elevated due to the dry conditions, even though no red flag warnings are currently in place. In 2023, the town of Lahaina experienced devastating fires fueled by extreme winds during a distant hurricane.
“Since the fire, the community is much more aware of the weather and environmental changes,” said local surfer and paddler Archie Kalepa, who is closely monitoring the storm.
As of Friday afternoon, Tropical Storm Lala was located approximately 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). To reach hurricane status, winds need to exceed 74 mph (46 kph).
