Hawaii braces for potential first direct hit by a hurricane in 34 years
In a worst-case scenario, category one Lala could dump up to 25in (63cm) of rain on Big Island.
Hawaii is preparing for a potential direct hit by a hurricane, the first in 34 years, as category one storm Lala approaches its coast. Lala, with 75mph (120km/h) winds, intensified into a hurricane on Saturday. A hurricane warning is in effect for Big Island, while Maui County, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau face tropical storm warnings.
Officials have instructed residents to brace for life-threatening conditions, including flooding and mudslides. The storm is forecast to either make landfall or pass close to Big Island's southern tip on Saturday before moving west. The last hurricane to hit Hawaii's Big Island was in 1992. Governor Josh Green warned of significant water damage, strong winds, heavy rain, flash flooding, and dangerous surf across the state.
The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts heavy rainfall could lead to evacuations and rescues, with rivers and tributaries potentially overflowing. The last major hurricane, Iniki in 1992, caused six deaths and $3bn in damage, striking Kauai's southern coast. The current hurricane season has been relatively inactive, with the last major storm being category three Hurricane Milton in October 2024.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a 55% chance of a below-normal hurricane season in 2026.
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