Lala, now a hurricane, dumps heavy rain on Hawaii

Hurricane Lala pounded Hawaii's Big Island with torrential rain and strong winds on Saturday. Forecasters issued warnings of potentially dangerous flooding. Lala upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane around 9 am with winds up to 75 mph. A hurricane warning covered Hawaii County, encompassing the Big Island, while a tropical storm warning affected the state's other major islands.

Lala was forecast to drop 10 to 20 inches of rain on the Big Island, with totals possibly reaching 25 inches, leading to life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in steep terrain. The US National Hurricane Center warned of a one to three-foot storm surge and dangerous waves, as well as swells that could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

The rough conditions were expected to last into Sunday. Governor Josh Green declared a state of emergency. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi had prepared for the storm days prior, urging residents to be ready. Drivers rushed to fill up their cars with gasoline. Hawaii had not experienced a major hurricane since 1992, when Hurricane Iniki caused deaths and billions in damage.

Hurricane Fausto had passed through the islands last month, before weakening. A powerful El Nino had formed in the central Pacific, with a 69% chance of a historic event exceeding previous El Nino strength when it peaked between October and December. El Nino tends to promote hurricane activity in the Pacific while suppressing it in the Atlantic, with human-caused climate change amplifying its impacts due to increased energy and moisture in the warmer ocean and atmosphere.

Hawaii's emergency management agency advised residents to clear gutters and drains, move valuables off the ground, seal door gaps, and remove tree limbs threatening properties.