Hurricane Lala weakens to a tropical storm, but flooding persists in Hawaii

Hurricane Lala has weakened to a tropical storm after passing south of Hawaii's Big Island, avoiding direct landfall. Despite the downgrade, meteorologists warn of continued hurricane-force gusts, flash flooding, and punishing winds across the islands. The storm brought pounding waves, bent palm trees, and fierce rain, with up to three feet of rainfall expected on higher slopes, potentially causing life-threatening mudslides. Over 60,000 households lost power, and three hospitals switched to generators. One death was reported in a car accident on the Big Island, and 19 roofs were lost. Tropical storm warnings remain in effect for several Hawaiian islands, with concerns about severe flooding and strong winds that could spark wildfires.

Tropical Storm Lala is bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the Hawaiian islands, despite weakening from hurricane strength. The storm skirted the Big Island without making landfall, but is causing significant rainfall, with nearly three feet expected on higher slopes, leading to concerns of flash floods and mudslides. Tropical storm conditions are spreading westward across Maui, Oahu, and Kauai. Over 130,000 households are without power, and three hospitals are on generator backup. One death has been reported in a car accident on the Big Island, and 19 roofs were lost. Search and rescue operations are underway for homes reportedly swept away by flash floods. Forecasters anticipate Lala may regain hurricane strength once it is well west of the island chain.

Hurricane Lala skirted Hawaii's Big Island on Saturday, bringing strong winds and heavy rain that caused flooding and power outages for approximately 60,000 households. Governor Josh Green reported one fatality in a car accident on the Big Island. While the storm did not make landfall, hurricane-force winds and significant rainfall were expected to continue, with the potential for flooding and mudslides. Tropical storm warnings remained in effect for other Hawaiian islands as the storm moved west. Residents were advised to stay home due to dangerous conditions.

Tropical Storm Lala is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane before nearing Hawaii's Big Island this weekend, potentially bringing destructive flooding from heavy rains and strong winds that could fuel wildfires. Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center anticipate Lala will reach hurricane strength by early Saturday. If it makes landfall on the Big Island, it would be the first hurricane to do so since 1871. A hurricane warning is in effect for the Big Island, with a tropical storm warning for Maui County. Officials and residents are preparing for impacts, as some areas of the Big Island could receive up to 25 inches of rain, and dry, breezy conditions are increasing fire concerns.

Hawaii is bracing for Tropical Storm Lala, which is expected to strengthen into a hurricane and make a direct hit on the Big Island. Governor Josh Green has declared a state of emergency due to the threat of "life-threatening" floods, heavy rainfall, and high surf. Hurricane warnings are in effect for Hawaii County (the Big Island), with tropical storm warnings for Maui, Molokai, and Kahoolawe. Residents are advised to prepare by securing homes, gathering supplies, and staying informed through official sources. The storm's approach coincides with a strengthening El Niño, which can influence Pacific hurricane activity.