Forecasters from the National Hurricane Center predict that Tropical Storm Lala will reach hurricane strength by Saturday, with the potential for landfall on the Big Island. If this occurs, it would be a historic event, as the last hurricane to hit the island was in 1871. A hurricane warning has been issued for the Big Island, while Maui County is under a tropical storm warning.
The storm is expected to bring 8 to 12 inches of rain, with localized areas possibly receiving up to 25 inches, leading to life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in steep terrains. Officials are urging residents to take the storm seriously, especially those in vulnerable areas, as the impacts can be felt even without direct landfall.
The agricultural sector is particularly concerned, as farmers are still recovering from previous flooding earlier this year. Additionally, the dry and windy conditions associated with the storm heighten the risk of wildfires, a concern heightened by recent devastating fires in Maui.
As of Friday afternoon, Lala was located about 275 miles east-southeast of South Point, Hawaii, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph, moving west-northwest at 14 mph. The situation remains fluid, and residents are advised to prepare for potential impacts