Hurricane Lala batters Hawaii; tens of thousands without power

Hurricane Lala has caused widespread damage on Hawaii's Big Island, with over 63,000 electricity customers left without power as of Saturday evening, according to the US National Hurricane Center. Neighboring Maui and Oahu also reported power outages, bringing the total to just under 100,000 customers when combined. Local reports detailed downed trees, road closures, and severe flooding across the island, home to around 200,000 residents.

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency for southern areas of Big Island, warning of houses being swept away by floodwaters and a "catastrophic" flood situation. As the Category 1 hurricane passed approximately 90 kilometers south of the island, it brought hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall to the island.

The National Hurricane Center predicted 30 to 50 centimeters of rain on the windward sides of Big Island during the storm. Authorities advise residents to remain in safe shelters due to ongoing risks of flooding, landslides, and hazardous surf.