Honolulu, HI – Hawaii is preparing for worsening weather this weekend as Tropical Storm Lala approaches the island chain and is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane near the Big Island, bringing threats of life-threatening flooding, damaging winds and dangerous surf.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Lala had maximum sustained winds of 60 mph at 2 a.m. HST Friday and was moving west-northwest at 10 mph. Conditions on the Big Island are expected to begin deteriorating early Saturday.
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the Big Island, while Maui County is under a Tropical Storm Watch. Forecasters said the strongest winds are expected over higher terrain.
Heavy rainfall will begin affecting the Big Island Friday before spreading west across the rest of Hawaii during the weekend. The rainfall could trigger life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly across steep terrain.
Large and dangerous waves are also expected, especially along exposed windward and southern shores of the Big Island. Prolonged heavy surf could produce localized coastal flooding and significant beach erosion.
National Hurricane Center forecasts show peak storm surge of 1 to 3 feet above ground level around the Big Island. Portions of Maui, Oahu and Kauai could experience water levels about 1 to 2 feet above ground in vulnerable coastal areas.
Residents elsewhere across Hawaii are being urged to closely monitor Lala because additional tropical storm watches or warnings could be required Friday.
The National Hurricane Center’s forecast track brings Lala close to the Big Island Saturday before the system moves westward across or near the remainder of the island chain.
Residents should monitor official forecasts and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions, especially in flood-prone, coastal and higher-elevation areas.
