Hurricane Lala Strengthens, Threatens Direct Hit on Hawaii

Satellite image of Lala in the Pacific Ocean.

Tropical Storm Lala has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane in the Pacific Ocean and is moving toward Hawaii’s Big Island, raising fears of a rare direct hurricane strike on the island.

The US National Hurricane Center said Lala’s maximum sustained winds had exceeded 120 kilometres per hour, strengthening the storm to Category 1. Forecasts indicated that the centre of the hurricane could pass over or very close to the southern tip of the Big Island on Saturday evening local time.

Heavy rain and strong winds have already begun affecting the island, while large waves are pounding coastal areas. Water levels in several waterways have also risen sharply following the heavy rainfall.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green urged residents to remain in safe locations. He said some areas were receiving nearly 5 centimetres of rain per hour.

Meteorologists warned that elevated areas of the Big Island could receive up to 63 centimetres of rain, increasing the risk of severe flooding and landslides. The situation could be particularly dangerous in remote areas and communities without electricity.

About 32 percent of electricity customers on the Big Island had already lost power as the storm approached. The island has a population of roughly 210,000.

Residents have been preparing for the storm by stocking up on fuel, food and other essential supplies. Emergency response teams are also on standby, with flash flooding, landslides and roads blocked by fallen trees among the main concerns.

A hurricane warning has been issued for the Big Island, while storm-related warnings are also in effect for Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Oahu, Kauai and Niihau. Several events have been cancelled and shelters have been opened in some areas.

According to research from the University of Hawaii, a Category 3 hurricane struck the northeastern part of the Big Island in 1871. No hurricane has directly struck the island since then, making Lala’s potential landfall a rare and significant threat after 155 years.

Forecasters expect 20 to 30 centimetres of rain in low-lying areas of Maui and the Big Island, while 10 to 15 centimetres could fall across the wider Hawaiian Islands.

In addition to torrential rain, authorities are warning of flash floods, landslides, powerful winds and widespread damage from uprooted trees.