Hurricane Lala Brushes Past Hawaii's Big Island, Bringing Heavy Rain

Tropical Storm Lala Passes Near Hawaii's Big Island, Producing Heavy Rain and Winds

The center of what had been Hurricane Lala moved past the southern portion of Hawaii's Big Island on Saturday, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the state. Officials issued warnings about possible flooding.

The National Hurricane Center stated at 8:00 pm local time that tropical storm conditions would continue on the Big Island overnight, with the strongest winds expected over higher terrain. It also warned of large waves along the coast.

Lala had reached Category 1 strength earlier on Saturday, with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph. By early August 16 the system had weakened to a tropical storm with winds near 70 mph. The center came within 30 miles southwest of South Point on the Big Island during the afternoon but did not make landfall.

A tropical storm warning remained in effect for Hawaii County and for the state's other main islands: Maui, Molokai, Kahoolawe, Lanai, Oahu, Kauai and Niihau. The storm tracked northwest and was forecast to continue that motion overnight. Officials said a gradual westward turn with an increase in forward speed was expected on Sunday, keeping the core south of the main Hawaiian Islands and the easternmost Northwestern Hawaiian Islands through the early part of the following week.

Rainfall totals of 10 to 20 inches were forecast for the Big Island, with isolated amounts up to 25 inches possible. The National Hurricane Center said the rain would produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially on steep slopes.

More than 20,000 customers lost power in Hawaii on Saturday afternoon. Weather reports confirmed damaging winds and heavy rain across the Big Island. Swells from the system were expected to increase through the weekend, creating hazardous surf and rip current conditions.

Governor Josh Green declared a state of emergency, stating the action would help ensure state and county agencies had resources to clear debris, secure infrastructure and take other preparedness steps. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said his administration had spent several days preparing and urged residents to remain ready.

The last major hurricane, defined as Category 3 or higher, to strike Hawaii was Iniki in 1992, which caused at least six deaths and billions of dollars in damage. Hurricane Fausto approached the islands the previous month but weakened and passed north of the chain.

A strong El Niño pattern had developed in the central equatorial Pacific. El Niño, the periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific, is associated with increased tropical cyclone activity in the Pacific basin. Hawaii's emergency management agency advised residents to clear gutters and drains, move valuables off the ground, seal door gaps and trim tree limbs near structures.

Power restoration efforts continued into the evening as rain bands moved across the islands. No deaths or major structural damage had been reported by late Saturday.