Tropical Storm Lala threatens Hawaii Island with hurricane-force winds and flooding

Tropical Storm Lala was forecast to strengthen before approaching Hawaii Island on Saturday, August 15, putting the island under a hurricane warning and raising the risk of life-threatening flooding, mudslides, strong winds and dangerous surf.

The National Weather Service Honolulu’s tropical-cyclone page says Lala is expected to affect Hawaii this weekend with heavy rainfall, strong winds, dangerous surf and localized flooding. The agency’s active-alert page says residents should check location-specific warnings because watches, warnings and advisories can change as the storm approaches.

Associated Press reported that a hurricane warning was issued for Hawaii Island and that a tropical storm warning covered Maui County, including Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe. The warning coverage was based on National Hurricane Center forecasts. Lala had not been confirmed as a hurricane or as having made landfall in the available reports.

Forecast calls for dangerous rain and wind

The National Hurricane Center forecast Lala to reach hurricane strength before approaching Hawaii Island Saturday. The exact track and intensity remained subject to change, so residents should rely on the latest National Weather Service, state and county updates rather than an earlier forecast.

Forecast rainfall totals were about 8 to 12 inches across Maui and Hawaii Island, with locally higher amounts possible on Hawaii Island. The National Hurricane Center warned that the rain could produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in steep terrain. Flooding can occur away from the storm’s center and may make roads impassable or isolate rural communities.

Other forecast hazards included strong or hurricane-force winds, storm surge, dangerous surf and life-threatening rip currents. The Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency says hurricanes can cause flooding, rough surf, downed trees, blocked roads, power outages and communications failures even when a storm does not make a direct landfall.

Residents should prepare before conditions worsen

Hawaii Island residents face the most immediate risk and should follow current county and state instructions before traveling. Maui County residents should also prepare for tropical-storm conditions, heavy rain, flooding and dangerous ocean conditions.

HIEMA advises residents to maintain emergency supplies, prepare medications, make a family emergency plan, prepare for power outages and be ready to act on evacuation or shelter-in-place orders if officials issue them. Residents should move to a safer location before roads become hazardous or conditions deteriorate.

Do not drive or walk through floodwater. Avoid beaches, shorebreaks, rivers and streams, and stay away from downed power lines. Residents should check directly with county emergency-management officials, airports, airlines, ports and utilities for current closures, cancellations or service interruptions before leaving home.

Warnings and response information can change

The National Weather Service Honolulu office is continuing to update tropical-cyclone alerts and forecasts. HIEMA recommends using multiple ways to receive information, including official emergency alerts, weather updates and a battery-powered radio in case of power or communications failures.

The storm’s forecast track, rainfall totals and intensity may change through Saturday. Residents should not wait for a confirmed landfall or for conditions to become dangerous before securing medications and supplies, moving to a safer location or following an evacuation or shelter-in-place order.

Sources

• National Weather Service Honolulu: Tropical Watches/Warning Details
• Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency: Hurricane hazards and preparedness
• Associated Press: Hawaii’s Big Island under rare hurricane landfall threat as Tropical Storm Lala strengthens