Tropical Storm Lala Prompts State of Emergency in Hawaii

Hawaii’s Democratic Governor Josh Green has declared a state of emergency as Tropical Storm Lala approaches the islands. The storm is threatening to bring heavy rainfall, flash floods, mudslides, and hazardous surf conditions.

A hurricane warning has been activated for Hawaii Island, with expectations of deteriorating conditions from late Friday into Saturday. Maui County has escalated its status from a watch to a tropical storm warning, while Oahu and Kauai are still under a tropical storm watch.

Tropical Storm Lala is advancing towards Hawaii and may strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane prior to reaching the Big Island on Saturday. As a result, strong winds and severe rain, along with flash floods and dangerous surf conditions, are anticipated across the state this weekend. — Governor Josh Green

By Friday afternoon, both the National Hurricane Center and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center had announced a hurricane warning for Hawaii County, predicting the formation of a hurricane on the Big Island by Saturday.

Current forecasts suggest a likelihood of a direct landfall or a close approach to the Big Island, following which the storm may shift just south of Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, and Niihau.

Rainfall estimates indicate that Maui and the Big Island could receive 8 to 12 inches, with isolated amounts on the Big Island possibly reaching up to 25 inches. Additionally, coastal areas might experience storm surges between 1 and 3 feet, coupled with perilously high waves and dangerous rip currents.

Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda expressed concern regarding the potential impact of the storm and urged residents to finalize their preparations.

As of the latest advisory, Tropical Storm Lala was moving west-northwest at about 12 to 14 mph, with maximum sustained winds near 60 mph. The storm is on track to strengthen, potentially becoming a hurricane—defined as having winds of at least 74 mph—as it nears the Big Island.

If Lala reaches hurricane status and hits Hawaii, it would mark the first hurricane landfall in the state in 34 years, following Hurricane Iniki’s impact on Kauai in 1992. Furthermore, if it strikes the Big Island as a hurricane, it would represent a historic first for that island.

Historically, only two hurricanes have made landfall on the main Hawaiian islands: Hurricane Dot (Category 1, 1959) on Kauai and Hurricane Iniki (Category 4, 1992). Lala organized amid an ongoing El Niño pattern characterized by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the Pacific.

“We’re not immune to extreme weather, and we’ve faced challenges before. This storm could be significant,” said Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda.