Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center (NHC) are monitoring two new disturbances in the Pacific Ocean just days after Hurricane Lala caused significant damage in Hawaii. The developments raise concerns about an active late-August hurricane pattern.
Immediate Developments
The NHC’s latest Tropical Weather Outlook, issued late Tuesday, indicates that one disturbance is expected to form several hundred miles south-southwest of Mexico by the end of the week. Forecasters have assigned an 80% chance of development over the next seven days, with a tropical depression likely to form over the weekend as the system tracks west-northwestward. The second disturbance, located east-southeast of Hawaii, shows signs of organization, with forecasters noting thunderstorms and circulation beginning to cluster around a developing center.
Hawaii’s Ongoing Recovery
Hawaii continues recovery efforts following Hurricane Lala, which caused destructive flooding, damaging winds, and widespread power outages across the island chain. The storm, which narrowly avoided official landfall, left significant damage in its wake. Crews are working to restore power to thousands of residents, particularly on the Big Island, Maui, and Oahu, where inspections reveal significant damage to infrastructure. A 90-year-old woman was found dead in Naalehu, marking the storm’s only reported fatality.
Roads are being cleared, and debris removal is underway, though some communities remain isolated due to communication disruptions. A boil water notice was issued for Pāhala as a precaution, and Hawaii Gov. Josh Green described the damage as not as catastrophic as feared, noting that recovery efforts are progressing.
Tracking the New Disturbances
The first disturbance, located south-southwest of Mexico, has a low chance of formation in the next 48 hours but is expected to develop gradually. The second system, east-southeast of Hawaii, could become a tropical depression within days, according to the NHC. Both systems are being monitored for potential strengthening into tropical storms or hurricanes as they move over open ocean.
The NHC’s Tropical Weather Outlook provides updated tracking maps and advisories, which are available on their official website. Officials urge residents in potentially affected areas to monitor updates and prepare for possible impacts.