Hurricane Lala threatens to make landfall on Hawaii's Big Island

Hawaii's Big Island is bracing for a possible direct hit from Hurricane Lala, a Category One hurricane that has intensified with winds of 120 kilometers per hour and heavy rainfall. International travel has been suspended at two airports, and residents are advised to take shelter as the hurricane's eye wall is forecast to pass near the island's southern end by Saturday evening.

Governor Josh Green warned that rainfall of 5 centimeters per hour could lead to dangerous mudslides on the island's mountainous terrain dominated by the towering Mauna Kea volcano. Electricity was knocked out for nearly 20% of customers on the Big Island, with people rushing to purchase fuel for chainsaws and vehicles. The National Weather Service issued hurricane warnings for Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau, while a Category Three hurricane struck the Big Island's northeast corner in 1871.

Previous hurricanes, including Hurricane Iniki in 1992, have caused significant damage and loss of life. The Big Island is under a hurricane warning, and authorities have urged residents to stay indoors and avoid any unnecessary travel.