The storm, which became the second named system of the Central Pacific season, was moving west-northwest at 10 mph late Thursday. Forecast information shows Lala bringing the risk of damaging winds, heavy rain, flooding, coastal inundation and dangerous surf as the system nears the Hawaiian Islands.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Lala was located about 455 miles east-southeast of Hilo at 11 p.m. HST Thursday, with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph and a minimum central pressure of 997 millibars. Tropical-storm-force winds extended outward as far as 275 miles from the center.
Lala Could Strengthen before Reaching the Big Island
Forecasters expect Lala to continue moving west-northwest during the next several days, with some reduction in forward speed as it approaches the Big Island on Saturday. The storm is then expected to accelerate later in the weekend.
The National Hurricane Center said steady strengthening is forecast and that Lala is expected to become a hurricane as it approaches the Big Island. Hurricane conditions are expected there by early Saturday, while tropical storm conditions are possible in Maui County by late Saturday.
According to the agency, winds on mountain slopes, windward terrain and elevated locations can be up to 30 percent stronger than the near-surface winds described in the advisory. In some high-elevation areas, wind speeds could be even higher.
The warnings cover Hawaii County, while the tropical storm watch includes Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe. Residents elsewhere in the main Hawaiian Islands and in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument were advised to monitor the storm’s progress.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green urged residents to prepare as the storm approached. In a video posted Thursday, Green asked people to be careful and to keep 14 days of supplies and necessary medicines at home. He also said he had signed an emergency proclamation to provide additional resources for first responders.
Heavy Rain, Flooding and Dangerous Surf Remain Major Threats
Rainfall is expected to be one of Lala’s most serious hazards. Maui and the Big Island could receive 8 to 12 inches of rain, with isolated totals reaching 25 inches on the Big Island.
According to the National Hurricane Center, the rest of the island chain could receive 4 to 6 inches, with maximum amounts of 8 inches. The agency warned that this rainfall may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas with steep terrain.
A flood watch is in effect for Maui and the Big Island from Friday evening through late Saturday night. Coastal areas also face the risk of storm surge. Water levels could reach 1 to 3 feet above ground in parts of Hawaii if the peak surge occurs near high tide. The highest water is expected along the immediate coast, where large and dangerous waves could accompany the surge.
Swells generated by Lala are expected to reach east-facing shores on Friday before spreading westward and increasing through the weekend. Forecasters warned that those swells could produce life-threatening surf and rip currents as the storm moves closer to the state.
