Hawaii is bracing for a potential hurricane strike this weekend after Tropical Storm Lala’s forecast track shifted north, bringing the strengthening storm — and its heavy rain, damaging winds and dangerous surf — close to the Big Island.
A hurricane warning is in effect for Hawaii County, meaning hurricane conditions are expected somewhere on the Big Island by this weekend. A tropical storm warning was issued for Maui County Friday morning, including the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe. A tropical storm watch was also issued for Oahu and Kauai counties.
Lala had sustained winds of 65 mph Friday evening as it moved west-northwest about 260 miles southeast of Hilo, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The latest forecast takes Lala near the Big Island on Saturday, raising the possibility of a rare hurricane landfall there. Even a slight shift in its path could determine whether the storm’s center crosses the island or narrowly passes to its south. Regardless, Lala will track close enough to bring strong winds and heavy rain onshore.
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green declared a statewide emergency Thursday, allowing officials to activate the National Guard and access emergency funding as the state prepares for Lala.
Ahead of the storm, officials in Maui County – where a flood watch is in effect through Sunday – identified temporary evacuation points residents could flee to if conditions worsen.
“For Maui County, our main concerns are flash flooding, rapidly rising water in flood-prone areas, and power outages that could leave residents without electricity during the storm,” Mayor Richard Bissen said. “Secure your property, stock up on essentials, prepare for possible power outages, and check on kūpuna (elders), neighbors and loved ones.”
Confidence in the exact track should improve through Friday, but there could still be changes as the storm approaches the islands and interacts with land, which can cause its center to wobble.