Tropical Storm Lala is approaching Hawaii’s Big Island, where a hurricane warning is in effect and the storm is forecast to strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane before nearing the island on Saturday. Tropical-storm-force winds have already begun, with damaging hurricane-force winds expected later in the day.
The National Hurricane Center and Hawaii authorities warn that Lala could bring heavy rain, flash flooding, dangerous surf and other hazardous conditions across the island chain. Residents have been urged to complete preparations and take shelter rather than travel into deteriorating weather.
Rainfall and hazards expected across Hawaii
The National Hurricane Center forecasts 20.3 to 30.5 centimetres (8 to 12 inches) of rain across Maui and the lower elevations of the Big Island. The rest of the island chain could receive 10.2 to 15.2 centimetres (4 to 6 inches), while higher elevations on the Big Island could receive as much as 63.5 centimetres (25 inches).
The rainfall could trigger mudslides and flooding. Officials also warn of downed power lines, toppled trees, strong winds and dangerous surf.
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What authorities are telling residents
Hawaii Governor Josh Green said damaging winds, heavy rain, flash flooding and dangerous surf were possible across the state through the weekend. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi urged residents to finish preparations before conditions worsen and not wait for the weather to deteriorate.
The hurricane warning applies to the Big Island, which has not experienced a direct hurricane landfall in 155 years, according to the source material.
Why the storm is drawing attention
The last major hurricane to hit Hawaii was Hurricane Iniki in 1992, when it struck Kauai, killed six people and caused billions of dollars in damage. Direct hurricane landfalls in Hawaii are relatively rare because of the islands’ small size and surrounding ocean climate patterns.
The storm arrives as scientists expect a powerful El Nino to bring extreme weather across the western United States in the coming months. El Nino occurs when surface waters in the central and eastern Pacific become warmer than usual, creating conditions for more extreme storms.
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