Tropical Storm Lala strengthened Thursday in the Central Pacific, prompting a hurricane watch for Hawaii County as forecasters warned of potentially life-threatening flooding and mudslides across the islands this weekend.
Steady strengthening is likely, with Lala forecast to reach hurricane strength as it nears the Big Island Saturday before tracking south of the remaining islands later in the weekend. Earlier Thursday, the storm had winds near 40 mph while about 700 miles east-southeast of Hawaii.
Hurricane conditions could reach the Big Island by early Saturday, with winds atop hills and mountains potentially running 30 percent stronger than places at lower elevation.
Rainfall is the most severe threat, with forecasts calling for 5 to 10 inches across Maui and the Big Island, with isolated totals up to 25 inches on the Big Island. The remaining islands could see 2 to 4 inches, with maximums near 8 inches, an amount forecasters said could trigger life-threatening flooding and mudslides on steep terrain.
Oʻahu Braces Despite Uncertain Track
Although Lala's core is projected to stay south of Oʻahu, the island could still see increased wildfire danger Friday as winds strengthen and humidity drops, along with gusty winds, heavy rain, flooding and surf reaching 15 feet or higher into the weekend, the City and County of Honolulu said Wednesday. Officials stressed these impacts could occur "even if the center of the system does not pass directly over Oʻahu.”Mayor Rick Blangiardi convened his Cabinet Tuesday to coordinate readiness across departments, directing agencies to review emergency plans, staffing and equipment. "We still have time to prepare, and I want everyone on Oʻahu to use that time wisely," Blangiardi stated in the city’s press release. "The City is preparing, and we need our residents to prepare as well ... We don't control the storm, but we do control how well prepared we are for it," Blangiardi said.
The Honolulu Police Department is preparing to activate its Joint Operations Center, while the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation is securing construction sites and the Department of Facility Maintenance is monitoring streams including Muliwai, Kapakahi, and Mānoa.
The city urged residents to stock 14 days of supplies, secure loose items, clear drains, and sign up for HNL Alert notifications through hnlalert.gov or by texting HNLALERT to 888777. Officials also cautioned residents to rely only on the National Weather Service and Central Pacific Hurricane Center rather than unverified social media forecasts.