Hawaii Braces for Tropical Storm Lala with Life-Threatening Flooding Risk
Tropical Storm Lala is approaching Hawaii this weekend with the potential to become a hurricane. The Big Island is under a hurricane warning, while Maui County is under a tropical storm warning and Oahu and Kauai are under tropical storm watches. The system is forecast to bring extreme rainfall with eight to twelve inches expected across Maui and the Big Island, with peak totals reaching up to twenty-five inches possible on the Big Island. This intense rainfall combined with mountainous terrain poses significant risk for life-threatening flash flooding, mudslides, and landslides. Damaging winds approaching hurricane force, dangerous surf conditions, and storm surge of one to three feet are also anticipated. The strongest impacts are expected Friday night through Sunday, with heavy rain potentially continuing through Monday. Residents have been urged to complete emergency preparations, with grocery stores and gas stations reporting heavy stockpiling of supplies.
Key facts
- Tropical Storm Lala is forecast to bring up to 25 inches of rainfall to the Big Island of Hawaii
- Wind speeds are expected to reach hurricane force, with 75 mph winds predicted for the Big Island by Saturday morning
- Storm surge is forecast to reach 1 to 3 feet above normal tide levels, particularly on east and south-facing shores
- A hurricane warning is in effect for Hawaii County on the Big Island, with tropical storm warnings for Maui County
- The system could impact Hawaii from Friday night through Monday with heavy rain, damaging winds, and dangerous surf
Limits of this briefing
The exact track and intensity of the storm could shift, potentially changing which islands experience the heaviest impacts. Real-time updates from the National Hurricane Center may revise rainfall and wind projections as the storm approaches.
Sources
- CNN: Hawaii could see its first hurricane landfall in decades as Lala strengthens Centre
- The Washington Post: Track Lala as the storm approaches Hawaii, where dangerous flooding is possible Centre
- FOX Weather: Future Tropical Storm Lala aims to make rare Hawaiian landfall, bringing life-threatening flooding, high surf Centre
- Weather.com: New watches, warnings issued for Hawaii as Tropical Storm Lala approaches Centre
- NBC News: Hurricane warning issued for the Big Island of Hawaii as Tropical Storm Lala approaches Centre