Lala strengthens into a hurricane and bears down on Hawaii’s Big Island with heavy rain, winds
HONOLULU (AP) — Hurricane Lala formed Saturday on a path to make a rare landfall on Hawaii’s Big Island.
Hurricane Lala intensified into a Category 1 hurricane with 75 mph winds, making rare landfall on Hawaii's Big Island. Forecasts predict the storm's eyewall could hit the southern end by Saturday evening, bringing heavy rain and high winds to the island's volcanic slopes. The Big Island hasn't seen a direct hurricane landfall in 155 years.
Even without landfall, higher elevations could receive up to 25 inches of rain, risking life-threatening mudslides. Tropical storm force winds extend 220 miles, with destructive flooding and wildfires possible across the island chain. The governor warned the storm is "enormous." A Category 3 hurricane struck the northeast corner in 1871.
Authorities opened shelters, canceled events, and urged ranchers to relocate cattle. Tropical Storm Warnings were issued for several islands, including Maui, Molokai, and Oahu. Lala was 90 miles southeast of South Point and moving west-northwest at 12 mph. Officials advise residents to take the storm seriously, especially those in off-grid houses. The storm could cause flash flooding, fallen trees, and dangerous surf conditions.
Written by urgent.news from CityNews's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
