Tropical Storm Lala has rapidly intensified and is projected to make landfall in Hawaii within hours, prompting the National Hurricane Center (NHC) to issue a hurricane watch for the Big Island. Officials warn of life-threatening flooding and mudslides.
The storm, which reached tropical storm strength on Thursday morning, is located less than 700 miles southeast of Hawaii and is tracking westward with sustained winds of 40 mph. Forecasters anticipate Lala could strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane as it nears the islands.
Heavy rainfall is expected to begin impacting the Big Island on Friday, spreading across the rest of the island chain throughout the weekend. NHC officials emphasized the potential for dangerous conditions, particularly in areas with steep terrain.
While the Big Island is bracing for the storm's direct impact, the more populated islands of Maui, Molokaʻi, Lanaʻi, and Oʻahu are also expected to experience significant weather. Although these islands are not under a hurricane watch, weather models indicate Lala will pass close to their shores, bringing high winds, heavy rain, and rough surf. The NHC projects winds near 30 mph for these areas, with the potential for coastal flooding and severe beach erosion across the entire state.
Hawaii is currently in its peak summer travel season, with a large number of tourists present on the islands. The approaching storm could disrupt travel plans for the approximately 250,000 vacationers who visit the state daily between June and mid-August, in addition to the more than one million residents.
