Lala could become the first hurricane to make landfall on Hawaii’s Big Island
A hurricane warning has been issued for the Big Island of Hawaii as residents brace for significant rain and wind from Lala.
Lala, a tropical storm that may strengthen into a hurricane just before reaching Hawaii, is sure to dump huge amounts of rain on the Big Island whether it officially makes landfall or not.
Hawaii is on alert for significant rain and wind from Tropical Storm Lala, which will spread across the islands through the weekend. Lala is expected to strengthen as it approaches and could become the first hurricane since at least 1900 to make landfall on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Due to the risk of flash flooding, mudslides, strong winds and dangerous rip currents, the storm is rated a 2 on the AccuWeather RealImpact™ Scale for Hurricanes in Hawaii.
The first bands of rain and gusty winds reached the Big Island Friday afternoon. Impacts will spread across the Hawaiian Islands through the weekend. Small changes in Lala’s track could significantly alter where the heaviest rain and strongest winds occur.
A hurricane warning has been issued for the Big Island of Hawaii, including Hilo. A tropical storm warning has been issued for the rest of the islands, including Kahului and Honolulu.
What AccuWeather meteorologists expect for Hawaii:
• Flooding rain: Rainfall of 4 to 8 inches is expected across the islands, with 12 to 18 inches across northern and eastern portions of the Big Island and an AccuWeather Local StormMax™ of 30 inches. Heavy rain could trigger flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in higher terrain.
• Damaging winds: Widespread gusts of 40 to 60 mph, with gusts up to 80 to 90 mph, are possible on portions of the Big Island. The AccuWeather Local StormMax™ is 100 mph. Strong wind gusts can lead to power outages, particularly on the Big Island.
• Dangerous storm surge and surf: Surf and rip currents are expected late this week through the weekend. Storm surge of 1 to 3 feet is expected on all islands, with an AccuWeather Local StormMax™ of 6 feet.
Residents are encouraged to prepare for rain and wind from Lala before conditions start to deteriorate. Even though the Big Island is expected to take the brunt of the storm, other areas could still face flooding rain, power outages and dangerous rip currents.
How rare are tropical storms and hurricanes in Hawaii?
Landfalling storms are rare for the Big Island.
"Tropical Storms Darby in 2016 and Iselle in 2014 are the only tropical storms to ever make landfall on Hawaii's Big Island," AccuWeather Meteorologist Jesse Ferrell said. "A hurricane has never made landfall on the Big Island."
AccuWeather is forecasting Lala to make landfall on, or pass near, the far southern portion of the Big Island Saturday afternoon.
“One storm that closely resembles Lala was Hurricane Hone in late August of 2024. Hone passed about 50 miles south of the Big Island as a Category 1 hurricane,” explained AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva. “Despite never making landfall in Hawaii, Hone brought more than 2 feet of rain to portions of the Big Island, causing significant flooding, as well as winds in excess of 70 mph.”
Lala comes amid an active eastern Pacific hurricane season as El Niño continues to strengthen. As of Aug. 14, eight named storms and two hurricanes had formed, including Category 5 Hurricane Genevieve. Fausto had been the only named storm this season to travel as far west as Hawaii’s longitude, passing well north of the islands in late July.
AccuWeather RealImpact™ Scale for Hurricanes
In contrast to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which classifies storms by wind speed only, the AccuWeather RealImpact™ Scale for Hurricanes is based on a broad range of important factors. In order to better communicate a more comprehensive representation of the potential impact of a storm on lives and livelihoods, the scale covers not only wind speed but also flooding rain, storm surge and economic damage and loss.
