Hurricane Lala Weakens, Still Causes Chaos in Hawaii

Hurricane Lala has downgraded to a tropical storm, but not without leaving its mark on Hawaii’s Big Island. The severe weather conditions have resulted in widespread power outages, affecting thousands of households, and one tragic fatality.

Governor Josh Green confirmed the death through a social media post on Saturday evening, stating it occurred during a car accident near the storm’s closest point to South Point.

Lala’s peak winds reached 80 mph, qualifying as a Category 1 hurricane for a brief period. Heavy rains have pummeled the islands, with reports indicating between 10 to 15 inches of rainfall in parts of the Big Island and Maui. Forecasts suggest up to 25 inches may be possible in certain areas.

“It’s going to impact virtually all the islands,” said Green.

Almost 200 flights were canceled due to the storm, but the governor reassured that they would eventually be rescheduled.

Initially, more than 60,000 households were reported to be without power, but that figure soared overnight, with over 150,500 customers impacted by Sunday morning, according to PowerOutage.us.

Green mentioned that three hospitals lost power but switched to backup generators. Additionally, 19 roofs were reported lost due to fierce winds. The governor has started the process for a major disaster declaration and plans to evaluate the damage on Monday.

“It’s not a day to come to the beach,” said Honolulu Ocean Safety Department Director Kurt Lager, emphasizing the risk of water activities after lifeguards conducted 59 rescues on Saturday.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi noted that search and rescue teams are currently navigating hazardous conditions at Oahu’s Lulumahu Falls Trail, searching for a missing hiker.

National Weather Service meteorologist Joseph Clark indicated that a direct landfall isn’t expected. Historical data shows the last hurricane to directly impact the Big Island occurred 155 years ago in 1871.