Hurricane Lala has strengthened to a Category 1 storm and is bearing down on Hawaii, with the Big Island facing the potential for the first direct hurricane strike in 155 years. Residents across the islands are rushing to secure their homes and stock up on essential supplies.
As of the latest update, Lala was approximately 80 miles southeast of South Point on the Big Island, with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph and moving westward. Forecasters are closely monitoring the storm's intensification and path.
Officials are urging residents to complete preparations as hurricane conditions are possible for the Big Island on Saturday. The Big Island has already declared a state of emergency. Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen stated that personnel and standby crews are prepared, with generators being tested across Maui, Molokai, and Lanai.
Residents in flood-prone areas like Kihei on Maui are concerned about potential road flooding. Businesses are boarding up entrances, stacking sandbags, and installing flood barriers. Shoppers have been seen at Costco locations gathering food, water, and other necessities, while lines have formed at gas stations.
Lala is also bringing a significant threat of flooding. The Big Island could experience 10 to 20 inches of rain, with isolated amounts of up to 25 inches. Eastern Maui may receive 8 to 12 inches, with smaller totals expected for other parts of the island chain.
The Big Island is under a hurricane warning. Tropical storm warnings are in effect for Maui County, encompassing Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe, as well as Oahu and Kauai County. After passing the Big Island, Lala is forecast to shift westward on Sunday, with its center projected to remain south of the other main Hawaiian Islands. Some weakening is anticipated after the storm interacts with the Big Island, though conditions are subject to change.