Hurricane Lala brings life-threatening conditions to Hawaii as storm makes landfall
Governor Josh Green urges residents to avoid roads as the National Hurricane Center warns of flash flooding and storm surges across the archipelago.
Category one Hurricane Lala has made landfall on Hawaii’s Big Island, bringing sustained winds of up to 80mph and torrential rainfall to the region. The storm, which gained hurricane strength on Saturday, is currently moving westwards at nine miles per hour, with its eye wall brushing the southern portion of the island. A hurricane warning remains in effect for the Big Island, while tropical storm warnings cover Maui County, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau.
The impact on infrastructure and public safety has been immediate. One person has died following a car accident, and more than 85,000 customers have lost electricity as of Saturday evening. Falling trees have taken down power lines, and landslides have severed several roads. At Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, 40 per cent of flights were grounded, while 80 per cent were cancelled at Hilo International Airport.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green has issued urgent advice for residents to remain indoors and avoid travel. "Please be very safe... you do not want to be out on the roads," Green stated, warning of an "incredible amount of water" expected to hit the state. He highlighted the potential for damaging winds, heavy rain, flash flooding, and dangerous surf to persist across the state through the weekend.
Meteorological data indicates severe hydrological risks. Meteorologist Jennifer Myers reported that the Wailuku River in Hilo has reached critical levels, turning Hilo Bay a "blood red" colour due to heavy sediment discharge. The National Weather Service has warned that major rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations and rescues, with rivers and tributaries expected to rapidly overflow their banks in multiple locations.
If the storm maintains its trajectory, it will mark the first direct hurricane landfall on Hawaii in 34 years. The last hurricane to strike the Big Island occurred 155 years ago, while Hurricane Iniki, a category four storm, was the most recent to hit the state in 1992, causing six deaths and $3bn in damage. The National Hurricane Center noted that damaging winds and heavy rain will continue across the Big Island throughout the night before spreading westwards to the smaller islands on Sunday.
