Hurricane Lala weakened to a tropical storm over the weekend as it bypassed Hawaii without making direct landfall. Despite this, the storm unleashed powerful gusts and heavy rainfall, with some areas receiving nearly a meter of rain, leading to flash floods and significant damage in coastal communities such as Na’alehu and Wai’ohinu.
An intense search-and-rescue operation involving Civil Defence, the National Guard, and a coast guard helicopter was initiated after reports of homes being swept away by flash floods in the affected areas. The challenging conditions, including rushing water, debris, and darkness, complicated rescue efforts, as mentioned by Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda.
Tragically, a fatality was reported in a vehicle accident in the South Point region of the Big Island. The storm’s impact was felt most severely in Honolulu, where the Fire Department responded to numerous incidents, including downed trees, roofs, power lines, and a rescue operation for a swimmer in distress.
Despite the downgrade of the Big Island to a flood advisory, much of the state remained under a flash flood warning, with concerns of heavy rain, mudslides, downed trees, flooding, and power outages. The advice from meteorologist Stephen Parker was to stay indoors until the threats subsided.
The storm, which coincidentally occurred three years after a devastating wildfire in Hawaii, maintained its strength as it lingered near the island chain. Tropical storm warnings remained in effect for multiple islands, with Lanai, Molokai, and Oahu experiencing the heaviest rain and strongest winds.
As of the latest update, Lala was situated west of Honolulu with sustained winds of 100 km/h, moving at a west-northwest direction. Forecasts indicated little change in intensity through Monday, with the possibility of Lala regaining hurricane status later in the week.
The storm’s impact extended beyond the immediate weather conditions, with disruptions to power supply affecting hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses, particularly on the Big Island. Damage to infrastructure, including hospitals relying on generator power, highlighted the widespread consequences of the storm.
Precautionary measures were taken ahead of the storm’s arrival, including opening shelters, canceling events, and advising residents to secure their livestock and properties. The aftermath of previous floods in the region added to the sense of urgency and preparedness among residents facing the approaching storm.
The resilience of communities and improved communication and response strategies were noted by residents, reflecting a proactive approach to handling natural disasters in Hawaii. Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Lala, efforts were made to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of residents and properties.