The Big Island of Hawaii has been battered by heavy rains and strong winds as Tropical Storm Lala continues to impact the region following its landfall as a Category 1 hurricane. The storm,which made its closest approach early Sunday,has unleashed over 30 inches of rain in some areas, leading to widespread flooding and at least one confirmed death.
As of Sunday afternoon, the National Weather Service (NWS) reported that Lala's maximum sustained winds had decreased to 65 mph, down from 70 mph earlier in the day. The storm was moving northwest at 14 mph, with its center located approximately 75 miles southwest of Honolulu . While conditions are improving on the Big Island, a tropical storm warning remains in effect for the entire state, with ongoing threats of flash flooding and scattered thunderstorms.
Rainfall rates have been alarming,with some areas experiencing up to 5 inches per hour . community of Laupahoehoe on the Hamakua Coast reported more than 33 inches of rain since Friday. Local authorities declared a flash flood emergency for parts of the Big Island,including Naalehu,Pahala, and Hawaiian Ocean View, as the storm's intensity peaked.
In response to the severe weather, the White House confirmed that the Trump Administration is closely monitoring the situation. Although Hawaii has not yet requested federal assistance under the Stafford Act, the U.S . Coast Guard is engaged in search and rescue operations at the request of the Hawaii County Fire Department. A spokesperson stated that the administration stands ready to provide support for state-led emergency operations.
During storm's peak, a weather station at the Mauna Kea Summit recorded wind gusts reaching 140 mph, while lower elevations saw gusts between 70 and 80 mph. The NWS had previously issued life-threatening flash flood warnings, urging residents to seek higher ground. Tragically, one person died in a storm-related car accident as Lala approached the Big Island.
Utility companies reported that over 217,000 customers were without power across Hawaii,primarily in Honolulu County. Wind gusts exceeding 60 mph caused trees and debris to fall onto power lines,leading to extensive outages. Residents had been warned to prepare for potential extended power interruptions.
Flight operations were severely disrupted, with more than 200 flights canceled on Saturday as Lala approached. Norwegian Cruise Line announced that some of its itineraries would be affected by storm.
In anticipation of storm's impact,Governor Josh Green signed an emergency proclamation,enabling the state to access resources from a $100 million disaster fund. Approximately 180 members of Hawaii National Guard have been activated to assist with rescue operations,and high-water vehicles have been deployed across the state. Schools and state education offices on Hawaii Island, Maui, Lanai, and Molokai were closed over the weekend,with numerous events canceled.
As Lala continues to move westward,the NWS forecasts additional 4 to 6 inches of rain for the Hawaiian Islands through Monday, with localized areas potentially receiving up to 8 inches. The storm's residual effects are expected to linger,keeping residents on alert for further flooding and hazardous conditions.
