Crews work to restore power to thousands after Lala raked Hawaii

Crews are working to restore power to thousands of Hawaii residents after the outer bands of Tropical Storm Lala caused destructive flooding and one fatality over the weekend. The storm, which weakened from a hurricane, left debris and damaged infrastructure, particularly on the Big Island and Maui. Roads are being cleared, and while most public schools have reopened, Hawaii County's non-emergency operations remain suspended. A 90-year-old woman was found dead after being reported missing. Officials stated the damage was not as catastrophic as initially feared, with recovery expected to be "somewhat brisk." The storm has since moved west.

Tropical Storm Lala caused significant damage on Hawaii's Big Island, sweeping over 100 homes off their foundations and damaging several bridges. Governor Josh Green estimated hundreds of millions of dollars in statewide damage, with a major highway collapsing and cutting off access to Pahala's hospital. On Oahu, over 600 weather-related responses were reported, including downed trees and blown-off roofs. While downgraded from a hurricane, Lala brought heavy rains and strong winds. Officials are investigating potential storm-related fatalities and warning of post-disaster dangers. The storm's impact occurs during a powerful El Niño, which, amplified by climate change, can increase extreme weather events.

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.

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.