Over 40,000 face 'life-threatening' conditions without power as Hurricane Lala approaches Hawaii
The poweroutage.com website showed 42,889 customers without power as of 2:14 p.m. in Hawaii, including 31,792 on the Big Island and 7,203 in Maui County.
Hurricane Lala, a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, is expected to bring life-threatening conditions to over 40,000 utility customers in Hawaii on Saturday. The storm, which has already dropped heavy rain and strong winds across the state, is forecast to bring 10 to 20 inches of rain to the Big Island, with possible totals of up to 25 inches.
In eastern Maui, residents can expect 4 to 6 inches of rainfall, while western Maui may receive 8 to 12 inches. These torrential rains are expected to cause life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas with steep terrain. Hawaiian Electric warned customers to brace for "possible extended outages, potentially overnight," as the storm system makes its way westward across Hawaii.
On the Big Island's Hamakua Coast, utility crews are assessing a 42-mile span of transmission lines after fallen trees toppled multiple poles and structures. Earlier in the day, the National Hurricane Center reported that Lala's wind gusts reached over 100 mph on Maunakea, the Big Island's tallest peak, although slower winds are expected closer to sea level.
In response to the rapidly deteriorating situation, the Hawaii Department of Transportation closed Hilo International Airport and will close Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole by 2 p.m. The department also closed commercial ports in Hawaii Island, Maui County, and Kaua'i.
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- Why Hurricane Lala is a historic threat to Hawaii’s Big Island timesofindia.indiatimes.com
