HONOLULU (AP) — Tropical Storm Lala is expected to intensify into a hurricane as it nears Hawaii’s Big Island this coming weekend, forecasters reported on Friday. The storm is anticipated to bring heavy rainfall capable of causing severe flooding and strong winds that could ignite wildfires.
The National Hurricane Center has indicated that Lala is likely to reach hurricane strength by the time it approaches the Big Island early Saturday.
Should Lala make landfall, it would be the first storm to do so since 1871. Back then, a Category 3 hurricane struck the island’s northeast corner, according to research from newspaper archives, said Vanessa Almanza, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Honolulu.
“First time since satellites,” Almanza noted. “The latest forecast places it very close to the Big Island’s southern tip.”
A hurricane warning is in effect for the Big Island, while Maui County, encompassing the islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe, is under a tropical storm warning.
Authorities and residents are preparing for Lala irrespective of whether Hawaii experiences a direct hit.
Almanza remarked, “A landfall isn’t necessary for destruction. Many impacts occur outside the hurricane itself.”
According to county officials, some parts of the Big Island may receive up to 25 inches (63.5 centimeters) of rain. Shelters have been opened, and several events have been canceled in anticipation of the expected heavy rains later in the day.
State Rep. Jeanné Kapela, representing communities in the storm’s potential path, traveled to the Big Island from Honolulu on Friday morning, urging residents to stay alert.
“We’re encouraging residents to take this storm seriously, remain vigilant, and find a safe place before conditions worsen,” she conveyed in a text to The Associated Press as her flight took off. “We hope the storm passes quickly, but we’re preparing for any eventualities.”
Kapela also highlighted that many areas are still recovering from severe flooding in March, stating, “We understand how quickly heavy rain and flooding can affect our rural communities.”
Brian Miyamoto, executive director of the Hawaii Farm Bureau, expressed concern for growers who are always wary when large amounts of rain are forecasted in a short time span. However, those still recovering from the spring floods, especially on Oahu’s North Shore, are worried about further damage.
Coffee farmer Bruce Corker described the weather as “sunny and beautiful” in Holualoa on the Big Island’s west side and noted that Costco appeared normal the previous day. Nonetheless, he expressed concern over the potential for “streams overflowing and high winds.”
Although there are no red flag warnings currently, Almanza mentioned that the dry and breezy conditions could still heighten fire risks.
In 2023, the town of Lahaina experienced a fire during extreme winds as a hurricane passed well south of Hawaii.
“Since the fire, everyone is much more aware of weather conditions and environmental changes,” said Archie Kalepa of Lahaina, known for his ocean skills, who has been monitoring the storm closely.
As of late Friday morning, Tropical Storm Lala was approximately 340 miles (545 kilometers) east-southeast of South Point, Hawaii, according to the National Hurricane Center. It had sustained maximum winds of 60 mph (95 kph) and was moving west-northwest at 14 mph (22 kph).
A Category 1 hurricane requires wind speeds of at least 74 mph (46 kph).
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