The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a hurricane watch for Hawaii’s Big Island as Tropical Storm Lala moves toward the state, forecast to bring heavy rain, flooding, and dangerous winds starting Friday evening.
Tropical Storm Lala, currently located 680 miles east-southeast of Hilo, is moving west with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph and is expected to strengthen to near-hurricane strength by the time it approaches the Big Island on Saturday. Forecasters warn the storm could produce 5 to 10 inches of rain, with locally higher totals up to 20 inches, raising the risk of life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in steep terrain.
Hurricane Watch and Forecast Track
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Honolulu issued the hurricane watch for the Big Island’s South district, including areas like Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, Naalehu, and Pahala. The watch indicates that hurricane-force winds are possible within 48 hours, with sustained winds of 45 to 60 mph and gusts up to 75 mph expected. Tropical-storm-force winds could arrive as early as Saturday morning, with the storm passing just south of the Big Island before moving toward the smaller islands.
Rainfall and Flooding Risks
Forecasters emphasize that heavy rainfall is the primary threat, with the potential for extreme flooding that could overwhelm rivers, trigger mudslides, and necessitate evacuations. The NWS described impacts as ranging from devastating to catastrophic, particularly in mountainous regions. Windward sides of hills and mountains may experience winds 30% stronger than near-surface levels, increasing the risk of structural damage and power outages.
Additional Pacific Storm Activity
Elsewhere in the Pacific, Tropical Storm Hernan formed 1,460 miles west of Baja California but is not expected to threaten land. Hernan marks the ninth named storm in the broader Pacific basin this year and the second in the Central Pacific.
Preparedness and Response
Officials urge residents in the hurricane watch area to monitor updates closely, secure loose objects, and prepare for potential power disruptions. Emergency services are advising against travel in flood-prone or landslide-risk areas as the storm approaches. The NHC and NWS will continue providing updates as the situation develops.