Hawaii on Alert: Tropical Storm Lala Could Become a Hurricane This Weekend

• Tropical Storm Lala
• Big Island Under Alert
• Rains to Continue Until Monday

Tropical Storm Lala is threatening to disrupt the weekend in Hawaii: it’s expected to gain strength and reach Category 1 while passing south of the archipelago.

Additionally, the Big Island will face the strongest impacts, while the rains will advance towards Maui, Oahu, and other areas during Saturday and part of Sunday.

Authorities are maintaining a hurricane alert for the Big Island and a tropical storm alert for Maui County, which includes Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe.

• Why it matters: Although Lala’s center is not expected to make landfall according to current forecasts, the rains, wind, and waves could generate flooding, landslides, and power outages.

Tropical Storm Lala Could Become a Hurricane Near Hawaii

• Key points: Saturday will be a critical day, when Lala’s core passes near the Big Island and the system reaches its closest point to the state.

It’s expected that by morning, Lala will become a Category 1 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph, equivalent to about 120 km/h.

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FOX Weather hurricane specialist Bryan Norcross warned that, although the National Hurricane Center does not anticipate a direct impact, the islands could feel strong effects.

The most intense precipitation will begin to affect the Big Island by noon and later spread to Maui and Oahu.

Big Island Faces Risk of Flooding and Strong Winds

• The fact: Gusts could reach between 60 and 70 mph or even exceed those levels, while sustained winds would oscillate between 35 and 55 mph.

Depending on how close Lala passes, sustained winds of up to 75 mph could be recorded in some areas, and higher speeds in areas of higher elevation.

The combination of intense rains and the mountainous terrain of the windward slopes of the Big Island and Maui will increase the risk of flash flooding and landslides.

Power outages, coastal flooding, and a storm surge of between 1 and 3 feet could also occur during the system’s passage.

Honolulu and Lihue to Receive the Most Intense Rains Later

• The process: During Saturday night, Lala’s core will begin to move southwest, although it will continue to maintain maximum winds near 75 mph.

Gusts could reach between 40 and 50 mph in much of Hawaii, while the heaviest precipitation moves towards the central and northern islands.

Honolulu and Lihue will be among the areas where the risk of flash flooding will increase, with rainfall accumulations that could reach between 5 and 8 inches.

The sea will also remain hazardous: waves could remain between 6 and 9 feet, while near Lala’s center they could exceed 30 feet.

What Residents Can Do as Lala Passes

• What they can do: Residents in the affected areas should follow weather updates and prepare for possible flooding, power outages, and hazardous coastal conditions.

Conditions will begin to improve gradually during Sunday afternoon, when Lala is farther west and the storm surge begins to decrease.

By Sunday noon, the system is expected to weaken slightly, although it could still maintain maximum sustained winds near 70 mph, according to Fox Weather.

• The limit: Just because the center moves away doesn’t mean the rain will end immediately; a band of moisture could remain over the islands and prolong the precipitation until Monday.