Hurricane Lala weakened to a tropical storm over the weekend as it bypassed Hawaii without making landfall. Despite this, the storm unleashed powerful winds and heavy rainfall, causing nearly a meter of rain in some areas and triggering flash floods that swept homes off their foundations in Na’alehu and Wai’ohinu.
Emergency responders, including Civil Defence, the National Guard, and a coast guard helicopter, initiated search-and-rescue operations in the affected coastal communities. Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda described the challenging conditions, citing rushing water, debris, and darkness hindering rescue efforts.
Tragically, one fatality was reported in a vehicle accident in the South Point area of the Big Island. Honolulu faced the brunt of the storm on Sunday morning, with the Fire Department responding to numerous weather-related incidents, including downed trees, roofs, and power lines, as well as a swimmer rescue.
Much of Hawaii remained under a flash flood warning, with the Big Island downgraded to a flood advisory. Meteorologist Stephen Parker highlighted ongoing threats such as heavy rain, mudslides, and downed trees. Residents were advised to stay home until the hazards subsided.
Power outages affected over 200,000 homes and businesses, predominantly on the Big Island. Hospitals operated on generator power, coping with the widespread electricity loss. The storm’s impact included powerful waves along the coast, with Lala’s winds battering mountains and causing fast-moving runoff.
Tropical storm warnings were in place for multiple islands, with concerns about flooding and potential wildfires due to high winds. Lala’s current position was about 220 kilometers west of Honolulu, maintaining sustained winds of 100 km/h. Forecasters anticipated the storm could regain hurricane strength later in the week.
Notably, the Punalu’u Bake Shop on the Big Island suffered severe damage, with the manager describing the situation as “literally catastrophic.” Residents across Hawaii took precautions, recalling recent devastating floods and preparing for the storm’s aftermath.
As the state braced for further impacts, residents like Kate McLellan on Oahu’s North Shore remained vigilant, monitoring the storm’s progress. McLellan emphasized the importance of community preparedness and lauded improved communication and proactive measures taken by authorities ahead of the storm.