Tropical Storm Lala Approaches Hawaii with Potential to Strengthen

Tropical Storm Lala began impacting Hawaii’s Big Island early Saturday. Forecasts suggest it could intensify into a hurricane or at least bring hurricane-force winds as it nears land. The National Hurricane Center issued a rare hurricane warning for the island, which has not encountered a direct hurricane landfall in 155 years.

Forecasters warned that higher elevations may receive up to 25 inches (63.5 centimeters) of rain. This poses a risk of life-threatening mudslides, particularly in mountainous areas where some residents live off the grid in improvised housing. Authorities are urging these individuals to seek safe shelters promptly.

This is an enormous storm,

said Governor Josh Green. Tropical storm-force winds extended up to 220 miles (350 kilometers) outward and could hit Oahu and Kauai by Sunday morning. Destructive flooding and wildfires, fueled by strong winds, are possible on the islands. A hurricane warning is in effect for the Big Island, and a tropical storm warning covers Maui County, including Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe. Additionally, Oahu and Kauai County, which includes Kauai and Niihau islands, are under a tropical storm warning.

Even if the storm stays just below hurricane strength as it approaches land, the NHC noted that wind speeds on mountains and windward and leeward slopes “are often up to 30 percent stronger than the near-surface winds” indicated in its advisories. This suggests the potential for hurricane-force winds in higher-altitude areas of Hawaii.

Research by a University of Hawaii atmospheric scientist found that a Category 3 hurricane hit the island’s northeast corner in 1871. Forecasts have Lala hitting near the Big Island’s southern tip, according to Vanessa Almanza, a meteorologist in Honolulu. Both officials and residents were preparing for Lala’s arrival, regardless of a direct hit. Shelters are set to open, and events are canceled.

It doesn’t take landfall to create destruction,

Almanza stated, emphasizing the impact felt outside the hurricane’s center. The hurricane center forecasted rainfall of 8 to 12 inches (20.3 to 30.5 centimeters) on Maui and the lower elevations of the Big Island, with 4 to 6 inches (10.2 to 15.2 centimeters) across the island chain. A warning was issued for potential “life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in steep areas,” alongside expected dangerous storm surge and ocean swells causing hazardous surf and rip current conditions.

As of 5 a.m. in Hawaii, Tropical Storm Lala was located about 110 miles (175 kilometers) southeast of South Point, Hawaii, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (100 kph) and moving west-northwest at 13 mph (20 kph), according to the hurricane center.

Officials stress taking the storm seriously. State Rep. Jeanne Kapela traveled from Honolulu to the Big Island to be with her constituents, advising people to stay vigilant. The southern region of the island, known for agriculture like coffee and cattle, is remote yet growing due to its affordability. Kapela voiced concern for those living in unpermitted structures.

If you doubt your house can handle hurricane-force winds, find safety with friends or family, she communicated while traveling. Communities are preparing for swift storm movement but brace for potential impacts. Hawaii’s rural areas still face challenges from past flooding in March.

Brian Miyamoto of the Hawaii Farm Bureau noted growers’ concerns over further damage, particularly for those recovering in places like Oahu’s North Shore. Coffee farmer Bruce Corker reported Friday’s weather as “sunny and beautiful” in Holualoa, yet concerns over potential flooding and winds remain.

Wildfire risks increase with heightened winds. Extreme winds caused notable fires in Lahaina in 2023, with a hurricane passing far south. Archie Kalepa from Lahaina observed increased weather awareness since those fires. Kauai, northwest of the Big Island, experienced Hurricane Iniki’s landfall as a Category 4 in 1992, an El Nino year similar to this one, impacting weather patterns globally.

According to University of Hawaii professor Steven Businger, Hurricane Iniki caused $3 billion in damage and killed six people. He remarked on the unpredictability of storms.

Associated Press reporter Alexa St. John contributed from Detroit.