Hurricane Lala Bears Down on Hawaii
Hawaii is bracing for a potentially catastrophic storm as Hurricane Lala threatens to make landfall, bringing with it powerful winds and heavy rainfall. The category one storm has already begun to impact the islands, with a hurricane warning in effect for Big Island and tropical storm warnings issued for Maui County, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau.
A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area, and precautions should be taken immediately to protect life and property.
The storm is expected to bring up to 25 inches of rain to Big Island, resulting in potential flash flooding and mudslides. Residents have been warned to prepare for "life-threatening" conditions, with Governor Josh Green urging residents to take necessary precautions.
Preparations Underway
As the storm approaches, dozens of flights have been cancelled, and residents are stockpiling supplies and preparing for the worst. At Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, 40% of flights were grounded, while 80% of flights were called off at Hilo International Airport.
The National Weather Service has issued dire forecasts for areas within Big Island's south-east, warning of "major rainfall flooding" and the potential for rivers and tributaries to "rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places".
Power Outages and Landslides
As of Saturday afternoon, nearly 37,000 customers had lost electricity, according to poweroutage.us. Meteorologist Jennifer Myers, who lives in Hilo, reported that landslides had already cut off some roads, while power lines had been ripped down by falling trees.
The Wailuku River, which meets Hilo Bay, is "really, really high" due to the heavy rainfall, with the bay turning a reddish color due to sediment and river water.
Residents are urged to stay indoors and follow evacuation orders if necessary. Public shelters are available in every county on Big Island, and residents are advised to focus on their sheltering plans.
Historical Context
The last hurricane to strike Hawaii was Iniki, a powerful category four storm that made landfall on Kauai in 1992, causing six deaths and $3 billion in damage. Hurricane season in the US has been relatively quiet in recent years, but the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warns that 2026 may still bring significant storms.
The world's oceans have hit record-high temperatures, partly fueled by developing El Niño conditions in the Pacific, making the potential for hurricanes and other extreme weather events more likely.