Hawaii is bracing for a direct hit from Tropical Storm Lala
Tropical Storm Lala is approaching the island of Hawaii—the largest in the Hawaiian archipelago—and could intensify into a hurricane before making landfall. State Governor Josh Green has declared a state of emergency due to the threat of strong winds, heavy rain, high waves, flash floods, and landslides, according to The Guardian.
According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the storm was located approximately 675 km southeast of Hilo on the island of Hawaii. Maximum wind speeds reached 97 km/h. Meteorologists predict that Lala will intensify into a hurricane as it approaches the island.
A hurricane warning has been issued for Hawaii County, which includes the island of Hawaii. Tropical storm warnings are in effect for the islands of Maui, Molokai, and Kahoolawe. The islands of Hawaii and Maui are expected to receive 203–305 mm of rainfall, with up to 635 mm in some areas. A storm surge of 0.3–0.9 meters is also forecast as the storm makes landfall on Saturday.
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NOAA has issued warnings about the risk of flash floods and landslides. On Friday, flood warnings were in effect for Kauai, Niihau, and Oahu from Saturday evening through Sunday night, and for Lanai, Molokai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and the island of Hawaii—from Friday through Saturday night.
Green stated that the greatest danger is to the island of Hawaii, and state and county agencies are coordinating efforts with federal partners. Residents were advised to stock up on essential supplies, secure their homes, clear gutters, move valuables off the floor, and stay away from beaches and coastal areas due to dangerous waves and rip currents.
Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda warned of possible wind damage, flooding, power and communication outages, as well as road closures. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park closed access to the summit of Mauna Loa and planned to close the visitor center, all trails, and the Naguku lava tube.
