Hawaii escapes the worst of Hurricane Lala but flood risks remain

Hurricane Lala battered Hawaii's Big Island with torrential rain and fierce winds on Saturday, prompting authorities to issue warnings of potentially catastrophic flooding. The storm surged into a Category 1 hurricane around 9am local time, with winds reaching up to 120km per hour. A hurricane warning was issued for Hawaii County, covering the Big Island, while a tropical storm warning was in effect for the other seven major islands.

The National Hurricane Center predicted 25cm to 50cm of rainfall on the Big Island, with totals potentially reaching 25 inches. This deluge would result in life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas with steep terrain. A storm surge of one to three feet, accompanied by large and dangerous waves, was also forecast.

Swells generated by Lala would intensify throughout the weekend, leading to hazardous surf and rip current conditions that could persist into Sunday. Governor Josh Green declared a state of emergency, ensuring the necessary resources were available to clear debris, secure infrastructure, and protect the population. Hawaii Mayor Rick Blangiardi had been preparing for the storm, urging residents to be ready.

Gas stations were empty as drivers rushed to fill their tanks, and the state had not experienced a major hurricane since 1992, when Hurricane Iniki caused at least six deaths and extensive damage. This storm arrives amid a powerful El Nino event in the central equatorial Pacific Ocean, which could exceed previous El Nino events in intensity when it peaks between October and December.

El Nino, a natural climate pattern characterized by unusually warm sea surface temperatures, tends to boost hurricane activity in the Pacific while suppressing it in the Atlantic.