Tropical Storm Lala is approaching Hawaii and could intensify into a hurricane
Tropical Storm Lala is approaching the Hawaiian Islands, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. According to forecasts, it could intensify into a Category 1 hurricane before making landfall on the island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island. On Saturday, the storm began to affect the archipelago’s largest island.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane warning for the Big Island. In a statement released at 3:00 p.m. GMT, the center said hurricane-force winds were expected on the island later that day, and storm-force winds had already begun.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green, in a video message released on Friday, urged residents to complete their preparations for the storm. He said that by the end of the weekend, the state could experience destructive winds, heavy rainfall, flash floods, and dangerous waves.
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According to the National Hurricane Center’s forecast, Maui and the low-lying areas of the Big Island could see between 20.3 and 30.5 cm of rainfall. The other islands in the archipelago are expected to receive between 10.2 and 15.2 cm of rain. In the high-altitude areas of the Big Island, rainfall could reach 63.5 cm.
Authorities have warned that heavy downpours could cause landslides, downed power lines, falling trees, and other dangerous consequences. Residents have been advised to stay in shelters and avoid going outside during the storm. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangardi also urged residents not to delay preparations for the worsening weather.
According to Al Jazeera English, the last major hurricane to hit Hawaii was Iniki. In 1992, it struck the island of Kauai, causing six deaths and billions of dollars in damage.
