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Lala nears Big Island
Tropical Storm Lala, forecast to strengthen into a hurricane, is approaching the Hawaiian Islands with a hurricane warning in effect for the Big Island of Hawaii and tropical storm warnings for Maui County.
“As of 11 a.m. ET, Lala is moving west-northwest at 12 mph with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph”
As of 11 a.m. ET, Lala was moving west-northwest at 12 mph with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph and was approximately 420 miles east-southeast of Hilo, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Forecasters said heavy rain, strong winds, and rough surf are likely this weekend, with Lala forecast to bring 8 to 12 inches of rain across Maui and the Big Island and totals reaching up to 25 inches in the higher elevations of the Big Island.
CBS News reported that in a worst-case scenario, Lala could pour 25 inches of rain onto the Big Island, and the National Hurricane Center warned that rainfall may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.
Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda told CBS News, "We're not exempt from these extreme weather conditions."
Watches, warnings, and surge
The National Hurricane Center said a hurricane warning is in effect for the Big Island with hurricane conditions expected there by early Saturday local time, while a tropical storm warning is in place for Maui County and a tropical storm watch covers Oahu and Kauai County.
CNN reported that Hawaii Gov. Josh Green declared a statewide emergency Thursday, allowing officials to activate the National Guard and access emergency funding as the state prepares for Lala.
CNN also said Lala could produce a storm surge as high as 3 feet along the coast, along with large waves and life-threatening rip current conditions.
Hawaii News Now said Hawaii Island is under a Hurricane Warning and that a warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of hurricane-force winds, with preparations to protect life and property to be rushed to completion.
Hawaii News Now added that "Wind Hurricane conditions are expected on the Big Island of Hawaii on Saturday" and that tropical storm conditions are expected in Maui County Saturday night.
What could be at risk
Multiple outlets tied Lala’s threat to rainfall totals and coastal impacts, with ABC News forecasting heavy rainfall and rough surf and CBS News warning of life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in steep terrain.
“Lala is forecast to bring 8 to 12 inches of rain across Maui and the Big Island”
ABC News said Lala is forecast to bring 8 to 12 inches of rain across Maui and the Big Island, with totals reaching up to 25 inches in the higher elevations of the Big Island, while the remainder of the Hawaiian Islands are forecasted to receive 4 to 6 inches of rainfall.
CBS News reported that the hurricane center warned Lala could produce a storm surge as high as 3 feet along the coast, along with large waves and life-threatening rip current conditions.
Hawaii department of defense guidance said hazardous weather impacts are likely to include storm surge up to 3 feet impacting coastal areas, especially south-facing shores, and dangerous high surf and rip currents statewide.
The Hawaii department of defense agency urged residents to "Stay away from beaches and coastal areas where rough surf and rip currents could sweep you away."
