Hawaii braces for damaging impacts as Tropical Storm Lala nears
With Tropical Storm Lala making a close approach to Hawaii on Saturday, and the possibility of a hurricane upgrade, heavy rainfall and tropical storm-force wind gusts are already being felt across the Big Island
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is closelt monitoring Tropical Storm Lala, which is approaching Hawaii's Big Island on Saturday, with tropical-storm conditions now being felt. A hurricane warning is in effect for Hawaii County.
Aa of early Saturday afternoon, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said maximum, sustained winds are near 100 km/h with higher gusts.
"Lala could be near or at hurricane intensity while it is near the Big Island of Hawaii. Weakening is expected tonight and on Sunday, but some restrengthening is forecast by late Monday and Tuesday," the NHC warns.
There has never been a hurricane to make landfall over the Big Island in recorded history, so if the storm's track ends up staying slightly north, we could see a historic landfall.
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Tropical storm-force winds gusts are occurring at elevated locations on the Big Island with wind gusts approaching tropical storm-force at lower elevated locations. A wind gust to 61 km/h was recently reported at Hilo, Hawaii.
Tropical storm conditions are expected in Maui County later today and tonight, on Oahu tonight and Sunday, and in Kauai County on Sunday.
Rainfall amounts of 200-300+ mm are forecast across the islands, with localized totals up to 635 mm possible on the Big Island. This level of rain could lead to life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in steep terrain.
Coastal impacts are also expected, with dangerous swells building through east-facing shores and continuing to increase through the weekend. Swells will also build along exposed southern shores as Lala passes south of the islands.
The storm surge could also reach 1-3 feet.
Tropical impacts in Hawaii are common, with storms hundreds of kilometres away often causing high surf and strong winds. However, a tropical system moving this close to the islands is a rare and impressive feat.
Significant past storms include Hurricane Douglas (2020), which narrowly missed Oahu, and Hurricane Olivia (2018), making landfall in northwest Maui as a tropical storm.
Residents are advised to monitor updates and prepare for tropical storm or hurricane impacts, including strong winds, flooding rain, and hazardous surf conditions.
Thumbnail courtesy of NOAA.