This is one outlet's own report from Newsweek — the article as it was filed. Other outlets are covering the same event; open the full story to compare every source side by side.
Lala: Impacts Timeline, Prepare Now as Potential Hurricane Nears Hawaii
0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. Tropical Storm Lala is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane as it approaches Hawaii this weekend, prompting hurricane and tropical storm warnings across parts of the island chain and urgent calls from officials for residents to complete storm preparations.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in its Friday advisory that Lala was located about 360 miles southeast of Hilo and carrying maximum sustained winds of 60 miles per hour. Forecasters expect steady strengthening, with the system likely to become a hurricane before reaching the Big Island on Saturday. The storm is forecast to track near Hawaii County on Saturday before passing south of the smaller islands on Sunday.
Authorities have expanded alerts as the storm closes in. A hurricane warning is in effect for Hawaii County, while Maui County is under a tropical storm warning. Tropical storm watches have also been issued for Oahu and Kauai County.
"Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion," the NHC said.
According to the NHC, Lala is expected to produce rainfall totals as much as 12 inches across Maui and the Big Island, with isolated totals of up to 25 inches possible. Across the rest of the islands, up to 6 inches of widespread rainfall is forecast, with isolated totals up to 8 inches.
"This rainfall may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain," NHC said.
The timeline of impacts is expected to begin on the Big Island late Friday into Saturday, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA) said, before reaching Maui County during the day Saturday. Rain bands are then expected to spread to Oahu Saturday afternoon and evening and move toward Kauai Saturday night, according to state emergency officials.
Even after the center of Lala passes, dangerous weather could linger. HIEMA said periods of heavy rain, localized flooding and rough conditions may persist into Sunday as moisture continues streaming across the islands.
Officials are urging residents to clear drains and gutters, move valuables away from flood-prone areas and avoid driving through flooded roadways. Flash flooding can develop rapidly in Hawaii’s steep terrain, especially when tropical systems interact with mountainous landscapes that enhance rainfall rates.
Meanwhile, Hawaii Governor Josh Green declared a state of emergency on Thursday.
“Tropical Storm Lala poses a serious threat to our state, particularly Hawaiʻi Island — and we are taking action now to ensure resources are available where they are needed,” Green said in a statement. “Our state and county emergency teams are coordinating closely with federal partners. I urge everyone to secure their homes, gather essential supplies, review their family emergency plans and follow updates from trusted official sources. Please take this storm seriously and look out for one another.”
Forecasters are also warning of coastal flooding as Lala approaches.
HIEMA said storm surge of up to 3 feet is possible in some coastal areas, particularly along south-facing shores exposed to the storm’s circulation. Dangerous surf and powerful rip currents are expected to accompany the system as it nears the islands.
The NHC said swells generated by Lala are likely to increase through the weekend, producing hazardous surf conditions and raising the risk of coastal inundation in vulnerable locations.
Beachgoers and surfers are being advised to stay out of the water as conditions deteriorate. Emergency managers have warned that even experienced swimmers can be overwhelmed by strong currents, while large waves may sweep unexpectedly across beaches, rocks and coastal roadways.
The threat is expected to build through Saturday as the storm moves closer, with rough marine conditions potentially lingering after the system passes. Residents near the coast are being advised to monitor local forecasts and heed any evacuation guidance issued by county officials.
Lala’s wind field is forecast to intensify as the storm approaches Hawaii.
The NHC said tropical-storm-force winds currently extend outward as much as 205 miles north of the center, with maximum sustained winds remaining near 60 mph on Friday.
"Hurricane conditions are expected on the Big Island of Hawaii on Saturday, with tropical storm conditions expected in Maui County Saturday night," the NHC said. "Tropical storm conditions are possible in Oahu and Kauai Counties on Sunday. Wind speeds atop mountains and on the windward and leeward slopes are often up to 30 percent stronger than the near-surface winds indicated in this advisory, and in some elevated locations could be even greater."
Strong winds capable of damaging trees, downing power lines and causing power outages are possible across multiple islands this weekend. Higher elevations and exposed locations could experience particularly strong gusts.
Emergency officials are urging residents to secure loose outdoor objects, stock emergency supplies, charge electronic devices and prepare for possible disruptions to electricity and transportation. The window for completing preparations is narrowing, forecasters say, as tropical-storm-force conditions could make outdoor work dangerous once the storm arrives.
Many residents said they were taking preparative action on social media in the day preceding Lala's expected arrival.
On a storm tracker Facebook page called Hawaii Tracker, many residents said they were prepared and taking the storm seriously. Several said they had items such as extra gas, water, propane, food, and pet supplies, while others said they had secured anything that could blow away.
"I’m very concerned for all on the island," one person wrote.
In its latest advisories, the NHC said Lala is forecast to strengthen as it moves west-northwest across the cent...
AIPROPX is an independent multi-source news index — we track, compare, and connect coverage from across the web into one place you won't find anywhere else.
