Storm Lala Strengthens to Hurricane While Closing In on Hawaii

Pacific storm Lala has intensified into a hurricane as it draws nearer to Hawaii's Big Island, with landfall expected on Saturday, according to the US National Hurricane Center. The storm's maximum winds have increased to 75 miles (121 kilometers) per hour, up from 65 mph earlier, as it comes within 85 miles of South Point, Hawaii, according to an advisory issued by the center.

The Category 1 hurricane has already been battering the island chain with powerful winds and heavy rain on Saturday morning. Forecasters are predicting hurricane conditions will prevail later today on the Big Island. If Lala sustains its strength and strikes as a hurricane, it will be the first storm to make landfall with that force since 1992.

Despite recent past experiences of close calls, even near misses can lead to devastating floods and other disasters in Hawaii. In 2023, Hurricane Dora passed to the south of the islands but contributed to the ignition of out-of-control wildfires on Maui, resulting in over 100 casualties. The Big Island may receive up to 20 inches (51 centimeters) of rainfall, with some areas potentially seeing up to 25 inches, while eastern Maui and parts of the rest of the chain could receive 1 foot of rain or more.

As a result, 111 flights into and out of Honolulu and Hilo have been canceled, according to the latest data from FlightAware.