Hurricane poised to hit Hawaii as El Niño stirs Pacific
A strengthening tropical storm named Lala is set to hit Hawaii's Big Island with hurricane-force gales on Saturday, bringing dangerous winds, rainfall and heavy surf.
A tropical storm named Lala, strengthening as it approaches Hawaii's Big Island, is expected to make landfall as a hurricane on Saturday. This storm brings the threat of dangerous winds, heavy rainfall, and significant surf to the archipelago. Hawaii Governor Josh Green has declared a state of emergency, while Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi has urged residents to prepare immediately.
NOAA predicts rainfall of 12–25 inches across the Big Island and Maui, with a storm surge of 1–3 feet. Emergency management agencies advise clearing gutters, moving valuables, and avoiding coastal areas. The storm is part of an ongoing El Niño event, which has already led to a 69% chance of a historic El Niño, typically associated with increased Pacific hurricane activity and amplified rainfall impacts.
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- Tropical Storm Lala nears Hawaii as forecasters expect it to strengthen into a hurricane scientificamerican.com
