Hurricane Lala: One dead as ‘enormous storm’ brings powerful winds and heavy flooding

Hurricane Lala Passes South of Hawaii’s Big Island, Producing Heavy Rainfall and Winds

Hurricane Lala moved past the southern tip of Hawaii’s Big Island on Saturday without making landfall. The system generated strong winds and heavy rainfall that caused flooding on roadways and increased flow in local streams and rivers. The National Hurricane Center stated that the storm is forecast to weaken as it continues westward.

National Weather Service meteorologist Joseph Clark said landfall was not expected. The eye of the storm remained offshore of the island’s southern point. Tropical storm warnings stayed in place for the islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau. The Big Island has a population of approximately 210,000.

The National Hurricane Center indicated that hurricane-force wind gusts were possible, particularly over higher terrain, with the potential for continued heavy rainfall through Sunday that could lead to flooding and mudslides. Coastal areas faced large waves.

On the island, rain and wind produced runoff that affected roads and raised water levels in streams. Wind moved through vegetation, and surf reached the shoreline. A photograph showed a vehicle stopped on a flooded rural road in Volcano Village.

Governor Josh Green reported one fatality from a vehicle accident in the South Point area. He also stated that 19 roofs were damaged and 190 flights were delayed or canceled. Green advised residents to remain indoors and avoid travel on roads.

Forecasts indicated that higher elevations, including areas near Mauna Kea, could receive up to 25 inches of rain, raising the risk of mudslides in locations with off-grid housing. Earlier statements from the governor described the system as capable of producing flooding and wind-related effects across the islands.

Tens of thousands of homes lost electrical power. Bobby Camara, a resident near Hilo, said he intended to remain at a care facility and monitor conditions. He noted that residents commonly prepare by obtaining fuel for generators and equipment. Mike Caputo, a resident of Keaau and local fire captain, said a generator and a 10,000-gallon water tank were prepared, with flash flooding and tree damage identified as primary concerns. He described albizia trees as large but structurally weak, noting their potential to obstruct roads when downed.

The National Hurricane Center reported that Lala reached Category 1 strength early Saturday, with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph. The most recent hurricane landfall in Hawaii occurred in 1992, when Hurricane Iniki struck Kauai as a Category 4 storm, producing an estimated $3 billion in damage, destroying thousands of homes, and resulting in six deaths. The last direct hit on the Big Island took place in 1871, when a Category 3 hurricane affected the northeast portion of the island, according to records compiled by a University of Hawaii atmospheric scientist.

Shelters opened across affected areas, scheduled events were canceled, and livestock owners were advised to keep cattle in open pastures rather than enclosed structures. Christine Matsuda, a resident of Waimea, reported repeated strong wind gusts affecting her home and noted leaks appearing in locations not typically exposed to water.

Rainfall totals were forecast at 8 to 12 inches across Maui and lower elevations of the Big Island, with 4 to 6 inches expected over remaining portions of the island chain. Some residents continued recovery from flooding that occurred in March of the same year. The system was tracked to continue moving west, with gradual weakening anticipated over subsequent days.