Hurricane Lala Threatens Hawaii’s Big Island
Hurricane Lala was approaching Hawaii’s Big Island on Saturday, bringing the possibility of the island’s first direct hurricane landfall since 1871. The National Hurricane Center classified Lala as a Category 1 storm with sustained winds of 120 kilometres per hour and forecast its eyewall to pass over or near the island’s southern tip by evening.
Officials warned that the storm could produce several hazards across the Hawaiian Islands. Higher elevations on the Big Island, including areas around Mauna Kea, could receive up to 63.5 centimetres of rain, raising the risk of flash floods, mudslides and blocked roads. Lower elevations on the Big Island and Maui were expected to receive between 20.3 and 30.5 centimetres.
Governor Josh Green described Lala as an enormous storm and urged residents to prepare for flooding, power outages and possible wildfires caused by strong winds in drier areas. About 10 per cent of Big Island electricity customers had already lost power. Authorities opened shelters, cancelled events and advised residents in vulnerable or improvised housing to relocate.
Residents reported busy gas stations and preparations involving fuel, sandbags and tree trimming. Fire officials expressed concern about large albizia trees, which can fall and make roads impassable. Ranchers were advised to keep cattle in open pastures rather than structures vulnerable to collapse.
Hurricane warnings covered the Big Island, while tropical storm warnings were issued for Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Oahu, Kauai and Niihau. Officials emphasized that severe damage can occur even without a direct landfall.
The threat comes as many communities continue recovering from recent flooding and remain attentive to wildfire risks following the 2023 Lahaina disaster. Experts also noted that Pacific storms can shift course unexpectedly, reinforcing official calls for residents to monitor forecasts and take warnings seriously. Emergency planners said conditions could change rapidly across the archipelago.