Hawaii island is in line to take the first — and worst — hit from a strengthening Tropical Storm Lala, as the entire state prepares for heavy rain, powerful winds and dangerous surf through the weekend.
The approaching storm is forecast to grow into a Category 1 hurricane with 75 mph maximum sustained winds by Saturday afternoon as it passes just off, or possibly over, the southern end of Hawaii island.
A hurricane warning was issued for Hawaii island late Thursday afternoon while a tropical storm watch was issued for the islands of Maui County. The warning means hurricane conditions are expected within the area in the next 36 hours, while the watch is issued when tropical storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. A flood watch was also issued for Hawaii island and Maui from this evening to Saturday night.
If Lala’s center moves over the Big Island, it will be the first direct strike of a tropical cyclone for the island since Darby in 2016, which was a minimal tropical storm when it crossed the southern end of Hawaii island. The more-powerful Tropical Storm Iselle in 2014 also hit the southern end of the island directly, causing widespread wind damage and power outages throughout the island.
Lala is expected to pass farther south of the smaller islands as either a minimal hurricane or strong tropical storm Saturday through Sunday, but still deliver potentially damaging storm conditions.
Gov. Josh Green on Thursday signed a proclamation declaring a state of emergency for Hawaii ahead of the storm. The proclamation activates the Major Disaster Fund, and authorizes the activation of the Hawaii National Guard if needed. It directs state agencies to provide personnel, facilities and other resources for emergency response efforts, and enables expedited action for storm response and recovery.
“Tropical Storm Lala poses a serious threat to our state, particularly Hawaii island — and we are taking action now to ensure resources are available where they are needed,” Green said in a news release. “Our state and county emergency teams are coordinating closely with federal partners. I urge everyone to secure their homes, gather essential supplies, review their family emergency plans and follow updates from trusted official sources. Please take this storm seriously and look out for one another.”
As of 5 p.m. Thursday, Lala was about 555 miles east-southeast of Hilo and 765 miles east-southeast of Honolulu. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center said Lala was steadily strengthening, with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph and moving west-northwest at 12 mph. This motion was expected to accelerate over the next few days, and once maximum sustained winds reach 74 mph, it becomes a hurricane.
Tropical storm-force winds of 39 mph or more extended up to 275 miles from the center with most of the winds and rain north of the center.
The National Weather Service warned that peak winds of 50 to 65 mph, with gusts up to 85 mph, are expected from early Saturday to early Sunday on Hawaii island. These winds can potentially peel rooftops and turn unsecured, lightweight objects into projectiles, forecasters warned. They also can uproot or snap large trees.
All parts of Hawaii island are potentially impacted —from Kailua-Kona to Kamuela, and from Hawi to Hilo, Pahoa, Volcano and Ocean View.
Projected rainfall amounts across the island vary greatly depending on location, with some mountain areas potentially seeing 20 inches or more, while the west side area is expected to see just a few inches.
Storm surge flooding could be greater than a foot above ground, forecasters warned, resulting in dangerous driving conditions. Forecasters also said the situation was “somewhat favorable for tornadoes” on the Big Island.
The multiple threats had Hawaii County officials urging residents to finish preparations Thursday before the first effects are felt later today.
Hawaii Mayor Kimo Alameda said residents should brace for possible damaging winds, flooding rain, high surf, power outages, loss of communications and road closures. The county plans to open a dozen emergency shelters at 6 p.m. today.
“This is a quickly evolving situation and we urge our residents to act now to prepare for the storm by checking your emergency supplies, securing your property, and contacting neighbors who may need assistance,” Alameda said in a news release. “Readiness requires all of us, and with a storm this close, a slight change in its track can greatly enhance rain and wind hazards across the island. We encourage everyone to stay safe, stay connected and be prepared to hunker down and stay home during severe weather.”
State Department of Education officials said Thursday that all public schools on Hawaii island will maintain normal school-day operations today.
From 5:30 p.m. today, all Hawaii island public school campuses and offices will close through Sunday and any scheduled school-related events and activities during the closure period will be canceled or postponed. Big island public schools are expected to resume normal school-day operations on Monday.
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park closed Mauna Loa summit on Thursday afternoon, with plans to close the welcome center, all trails and Nahuku lava tube, along with Chain of Craters Road and other areas by noon today.
Overall, forecasters expect rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches, with higher amounts for the windward areas of Maui and Hawaii island. This rainfall may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.
Heavy rain and potential flash flooding are expected from late today into the weekend across the state.
On Maui, the police department has increased staffing for all districts and city crews have been getting storm-response equipment fueled up and ready to go.
“For Maui County, the main concern is flash flooding and water rising in flood-prone places, especially vulnerable areas that were hit by Kona Low storms earlier this year,” Mayor Richard Bissen said in a statement. “County departments have been preparing for Tropical Storm Lala, and we’re asking our community to do the same. Use today to finish securing property, making sure your home has enough food, water, supplies and medications, and check on kupuna, neighbors and loved ones.”
“Our county teams are positioned and ready to respond if needed, but readiness is a kakou effort — we are all responsible for looking out for one another,” Bissen said
The City and County of Honolulu on Thursday was also moving into final preparations for potential impacts from Lala, and officials urged residents to do the same. The city plans to activate its emergency operations center at 7 a.m. today.
Oahu is expected to receive 2 to 5 inches of rain Saturday and Sunday, but some mauka areas could see 8 inches, according to CPHC estimates.
Officials cited elevated wildfire danger ahead of the storm, along with heavy rainfall, flash flooding, strong and gusty winds, rapidly rising streams and dangerous surf as primary concerns for Oahu.
“City officials are urging Oahu residents to finish preparations now rather than wait for a watch or warning to be issued,” they said in a news release. “While uncertainty remains about Lala’s exact track and intensity, the potential for impacts across the state continues to increase.”
Lala is also expected to generate large swells and dangerous surf for east shores across the state.
Honolulu lifeguards are planning additional patrols along Oahu’s south shore, and to extend coverage through 7:30 p.m. during the storm.
The U.S. Coast Guard is also advising boaters to stay off the water during this time, saying its search-and-rescue capabilities degrade as storm conditions strengthen. Boaters should double up all lines and secure devices safely to their vessel prior to a major storm, the Coast Guard said.
Although the storm’s track and intensity are subject to change, the Office of the Governor urged residents and visitors to prep