Hurricane Lala passes just south of Hawaii’s Big Island
Hurricane warnings are issued for the Big Island of Hawaii as residents brace for significant rain and wind from Lala.
Think all tropical systems are the same? From tropical rainstorms to hurricanes, this explainer shows what sets them apart, when they get a name and why water can be more dangerous than wind.
Hawaii is on alert for significant rain and wind from Hurricane Lala, which will spread across the islands through Sunday. On Saturday, Lala passed very close to the southern tip of Hawaii's Big Island. If it had made landfall, it would have become the first hurricane since at least 1900 to make landfall on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Due to the risk of significant 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 continue to spread across the Hawaiian Islands through Sunday.
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. As of Saturday evening, a 91-mph wind gust was reported across the northwestern portion of the Big Island. Around 2 feet of rain has also been reported across the higher terrain. A flash flood emergency was issued for Naalehu Saturday evening as rainfall rates reached 3-5 inches per hour. The flooding swept away two homes.
What AccuWeather meteorologists expect for Hawaii:
• Flooding rain: Rainfall of 4-8 inches is expected across the islands, with 12-18 inches across northern and eastern portions of the Big Island and an AccuWeather Local StormMax™ of 36 inches. Heavy rain will trigger flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in higher terrain.
• Damaging winds: Widespread gusts of 40-60 mph, with gusts up to 60-80 mph, are possible on portions of the Big Island and Maui. 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 through the weekend. A storm surge of 1-3 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. 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."
Lala passed just south 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. 15, eight named storms and three 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.
