A hurricane named Lala is heading towards Hawaii’s Big Island and is expected to make landfall, marking the island’s first direct hit by a hurricane in 155 years. The National Hurricane Center reported that Lala has intensified to a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h. The eyewall is projected to pass over or near the island’s southern tip, bringing strong winds to its volcanic slopes thousands of feet above sea level.
Weather forecasters anticipate heavy rainfall of up to 63.5 centimetres, posing a risk of life-threatening mudslides, especially in mountainous regions where residents live in makeshift housing off the grid. Local authorities have advised people to seek safe shelter promptly. Bobby Camara, a 75-year-old resident of the Big Island, shared his plans to stay put and hope for the best at a care facility in Hilo. He mentioned the increased activity at gas stations as people prepared with fuel for chainsaws and vehicles.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green warned of potential destructive flooding and wildfires due to strong winds across the islands. Power outages affected 10% of customers on the Big Island. Residents like Mike Caputo from Keaau expressed concerns about flash flooding and fallen trees, particularly the large but fragile albizia trees that could block roads. Precautionary measures, including sandbagging, were being taken in anticipation of the storm’s impact.
The Big Island is under a hurricane warning, while tropical storm warnings have been issued for several other islands in the region. The latest forecast indicates that Lala is likely to hit very close to the southern tip of the Big Island. Shelters have been opened, events canceled, and ranchers advised to leave cattle in pastures to prevent structural damage.
Officials stress the importance of taking the storm seriously, especially in remote and rural areas with growing populations. The potential for wildfires during windy conditions outside the storm is also a concern. The community remains vigilant following past disasters, such as the Lahaina fire during extreme winds in 2023. Memories of Hurricane Iniki’s devastation in 1992 on Kauai serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of such storms.
The looming threat of Hurricane Lala has put residents on high alert across Hawaii, with preparations and safety measures in place as they brace for the impact of the approaching storm.