Hurricane Lala headed towards Hawaii’s Big Island on Saturday, with a potential landfall, marking the first direct hit from a hurricane in 155 years. The National Hurricane Center reported Lala as a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds reaching 120 km/h. The eyewall was expected to pass over or near the island’s southern end, bringing intense winds to the volcanic slopes thousands of feet above sea level.
Forecasters warned of significant rainfall, with higher elevations, particularly around the towering Mauna Kea volcano, potentially receiving up to 63.5 centimeters of rain. This raised concerns about life-threatening mudslides in areas where residents live in makeshift homes off the grid, prompting authorities to advise seeking safe shelter promptly.
Residents like 75-year-old Bobby Camara, a lifelong Big Island resident, prepared for the storm, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance and stocking up on essentials. Hawaii Governor Josh Green highlighted the magnitude of the storm, cautioning about potential flooding and wildfires sparked by strong winds across the island chain. Power outages affected 10% of customers on the Big Island.
In Keaau, resident Mike Caputo expressed concerns about flash flooding and fallen trees, particularly the large yet vulnerable albizia trees, which could block roads. As the Big Island remained under a hurricane warning and tropical storm warnings were issued for other islands, preparations were made, including opening shelters and advising ranchers to leave cattle in pastures.
Vanessa Almanza, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service, indicated Lala’s expected path near the southern tip of the Big Island. The forecast predicted varying rainfall amounts across the islands, emphasizing the need to take the storm seriously and remain vigilant, especially in remote and rural areas.
Given the increased wildfire risks during windy weather, concerns were raised about potential fires due to dry and breezy conditions outside the storm. Memories of the 2023 Lahaina fire during extreme winds served as a reminder of the importance of weather awareness and preparedness.
Reflecting on past hurricane impacts, including Hurricane Iniki in 1992, experts highlighted the unpredictability of storms and the potential for significant damage. As communities braced for Hurricane Lala, the focus remained on safety, preparedness, and minimizing risks associated with the impending storm.