Hurricane Lala weakened to a tropical storm on Sunday without directly hitting Hawaii, but it brought strong winds and heavy rain to the region. Flash floods led to a search-and-rescue operation in Na’alehu and Wai’ohinu, where homes were swept away. Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda described the challenging conditions due to rushing water, debris, and darkness.
Tragically, one person died in a vehicle accident in the South Point area. Honolulu faced the storm’s impact with numerous weather-related incidents, including downed trees, roofs, and power lines, as well as a swimmer rescue. The state remained under a flash flood warning, with the Big Island downgraded to a flood advisory.
Over 200,000 properties experienced power outages, with hospitals running on generator power. The storm’s powerful winds and rain caused havoc, with waterways overflowing and creating hazardous conditions. The storm’s intensity was not expected to change significantly, and there were concerns about potential flooding and wildfires on the islands.
The heavy rain primarily affected Lanai, Moloka’i, and Oahu, while strong winds were reported at Mauna Kea volcano. Lala was positioned west of Honolulu with sustained winds of 100 km/h, moving at 28 km/h. The storm was projected to possibly regain hurricane status well away from the Hawaiian islands.
Significant rainfall, reaching up to 89 centimeters in some areas, posed a threat to residents living in high-altitude regions. Precautionary measures were taken, including opening shelters and advising ranchers to secure their livestock. The storm caused substantial damage to establishments like the Punalu’u Bake Shop, prompting residents to brace for the worst and monitor the storm closely.