Hurricane Lala is on track to potentially make landfall on Hawaii’s Big Island, marking the first direct hit from a hurricane in 155 years. The National Hurricane Center upgraded Lala to a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h. The eyewall is expected to pass over or near the island’s southern end, bringing its strongest winds to the volcanic slopes.
Forecasters are warning of heavy rainfall, with up to 63.5 centimeters expected in higher elevations, particularly around the Mauna Kea volcano. This could trigger dangerous mudslides in areas where residents live in makeshift homes off the grid. Authorities are urging people to seek safe shelter promptly.
Residents are preparing for the storm by stocking up on essentials like fuel for chainsaws and vehicles. Governor Josh Green described Lala as a significant threat, cautioning about potential destructive flooding and wildfires fueled by strong winds across the island chain. Power outages have already affected 10% of customers on the Big Island.
Concerns focus on flash flooding and fallen trees, especially the large but fragile albizia trees that can block roads. Shelters have been opened, events canceled, and ranchers advised to leave cattle in pastures. The forecast indicates heavy rainfall across the region, prompting officials to urge residents to take the storm seriously.
State Representative Jeanné Kapela emphasized the importance of preparedness, especially for those in remote and rural areas. With memories of recent devastating floods still fresh, many are anxious about the potential for further damage. Additionally, the risk of wildfires is heightened by dry and windy conditions outside the storm.
In the past, hurricanes have caused significant destruction in Hawaii, such as Hurricane Iniki in 1992, which resulted in billions of dollars in damages and several fatalities. The unpredictable nature of storms underscores the need for vigilance and readiness in the face of natural disasters.