Tropical Storm Lala moved across Hawaii on Sunday, bringing heavy rain and hurricane-force wind gusts to the region. Although the storm weakened from hurricane status and did not make a direct landfall, it caused widespread power outages and significant flooding on the Big Island. Gov. Josh Green reported at least one death following a vehicle accident in the South Point area, and emergency crews launched search-and-rescue operations for residents whose homes were swept away by flash floods in Na'alehu and Wai'ohinu.
The storm follows a period of preparation by residents and officials who were already recovering from major flooding in March. Prior to the storm's arrival, authorities opened emergency shelters and advised ranchers to move livestock. Residents in areas like Hilo and Keaau reported stocking up on fuel and water, while fire officials expressed concern over falling albizia trees, which are known to block roads during high winds.
As of early Sunday, Lala was located approximately 100 miles south of Honolulu with sustained winds of 70 mph. The National Hurricane Center reported that tropical-storm-force winds extended 175 miles from the center. Gov. Green stated that 19 roofs were destroyed and emergency crews had responded to more than 30 impacted road sites. Additionally, three hospitals were required to switch to backup generator power to maintain operations.
The scale of the rainfall—projected to reach 35 inches on the windward slopes of the Big Island—poses a specific threat to approximately 210,000 residents, particularly those living in improvised housing on steep volcanic slopes. These individuals face a heightened risk of mudslides and flash floods that have already proven capable of moving occupied homes off their foundations. The accumulation of nearly three feet of water in mountainous areas is expected to turn local rivers into torrents, potentially cutting off transit for days due to debris and boulders.
Looking ahead, tropical storm warnings remain in effect for Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau. While the storm is moving northwest away from the main islands at 15 mph, forecasters expect Lala to regain hurricane strength by midweek once it reaches open water. Residents are expected to continue dealing with flood recovery and road clearing through the coming week as weather conditions stabilize.