Hurricane Lala strengthened Saturday as it approached Hawaii’s Big Island, bringing heavy rain, gusty winds and the threat of flooding and mudslides to communities already under emergency warnings.
The National Hurricane Center said in a 10 a.m. HST position update that Lala had maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, making it a Category 1 hurricane, and was moving west-northwest at 9 mph with its center near the Big Island. Earlier advisories warned that mountainous terrain could produce winds stronger than those measured near the surface.
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The storm prompted a hurricane warning for Hawaii County and tropical storm warnings for Maui County, Oahu and Kauai County. Forecasters said rainfall could reach double digits across parts of the island chain, with the highest totals capable of causing life-threatening flooding and mudslides in steep terrain.
Gov. Josh Green declared a statewide emergency ahead of the storm, saying Lala posed an imminent threat and that state and county agencies needed authority to clear debris, secure infrastructure and mobilize resources. The proclamation activated the Major Disaster Fund and authorized the Hawaii National Guard to assist civilian authorities if needed, according to the governor’s office.
“Tropical Storm Lala poses a serious threat to our state, particularly Hawaii Island — and we are taking action now to ensure resources are available where they are needed,” Green said in a statement released by his office before Lala strengthened.
AP reporting cited Green describing the system as an “enormous storm” and said destructive flooding and even wildfires fanned by strong winds were possible across the islands. The Associated Press also reported that the Big Island has not experienced a direct hurricane landfall in 155 years.
Emergency officials urged residents and visitors to avoid unnecessary travel during severe conditions, gather supplies, review family emergency plans and follow updates from trusted sources, including the National Hurricane Center and local National Weather Service offices.
The storm was expected to affect the Big Island first, with worsening conditions possible across Maui County, Oahu and Kauai as Lala moved westward through the weekend. Officials warned people not to drive or walk through floodwaters.
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