Additional Coverage:
- At least one killed as Hurricane Lala slams Hawaiian Islands with violent flash flooding, sweeping homes away (foxweather.com)
Hurricane Lala Batters Hawaiian Islands: One Fatality Reported, Widespread Flooding and Power Outages
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Hurricane Lala continues to impact the Hawaiian Islands as a Category 1 hurricane, bringing intense rain, damaging winds, and significant flooding across the region.
Governor Josh Green confirmed that one person has died in a storm-related car accident amid the severe weather conditions. The Big Island faces a Flash Flood Emergency as torrential rains persist, with reports indicating that at least two homes have been swept away by floodwaters.
The storm’s powerful hurricane-force winds have caused extensive power outages, leaving nearly 70% of the Big Island without electricity. Lala is currently moving northwest along the western side of the Big Island, with sustained winds of 75 mph and a forward speed of 10 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The storm is expected to continue its path toward Oahu and Kauai on Sunday.
Flooding concerns are growing as multiple waterways overflow. The Wailuku River near Hilo has reached its sixth-highest recorded level, while rainfall totals over the past 12 hours have ranged between 15 and 17 inches in windward areas of Maui and the Big Island. Authorities are also monitoring the heightened risk of mudslides due to saturated terrain.
While the hurricane’s center has passed the Big Island and is beginning to turn westward away from Hawaii, the worst weather impacts are expected to continue across Maui, Molokai, Oahu, Lanai, and Kauaʻi throughout the weekend.
Residents are urged to remain cautious as heavy rain, high winds, dangerous surf, and coastal flooding persist. Rainfall could surpass two feet in some locations, increasing the threat of life-threatening flash floods and mudslides. Additionally, waves up to 25 feet have been reported along the eastern shores.
Governor Green declared a State of Emergency on Thursday in anticipation of Lala’s arrival, emphasizing the serious threat it poses, especially to Hawaiʻi Island.
Currently, a Hurricane Warning remains in effect for the Big Island, while Tropical Storm Warnings cover Maui County-including Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe-as well as Oahu and Kauai County, including Kauai and Niihau.
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely and advise residents to stay informed and follow safety instructions as the storm moves through the islands.