Hawaii braces as Lala strengthens to a hurricane

Tropical Storm Lala has strengthened to a Category 1 hurricane as it continues to track through the central Pacific Ocean, approaching the Big Island of Hawaii on Saturday.

Lala has maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. It is moving to the west at 10 mph, and the center is currently located about 85 miles south-southeast of South Point, Hawaii, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Over 200 flights were canceled on Saturday across Hawaii as Lala approaches, according to FlightAware. Norwegian Cruise Line said some of its cruise itineraries will be impacted.

Hawaii County — the Big Island — remains under a hurricane warning, according to the NHC.

Flood Watches are also up for all of the Hawaiian Islands for heavy rain that will continue ramping up on Saturday.

Hawaii braces for storm

At a press briefing on Friday, Hawaii officials urged residents to prepare for heavy rain, damaging winds and flooding.

“This is a serious moment,” Gov. Josh Green said Friday during the briefing with state, county and federal emergency officials.

About 180 Hawaii National Guard members were activated and positioned across the state to support rescue operations. High-water vehicles were also placed in each county, and additional military and federal resources were available if needed.

Green signed an emergency proclamation allowing the state to quickly use resources from a $100 million disaster fund.

Schools and state education offices on Hawaii Island, Maui, Lanai and Molokai were closing for the weekend, with events canceled.

Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda said shelters would be open and would accept pets. Beaches, parks, landfills and transfer stations were closing through Saturday, and mass transit service was being suspended.

Latest forecast

While presently moving west-northwestward, Lala will begin to interact with the Big Island’s high terrain and is forecasted to turn slightly north and track northwest to make a closer approach to the Big Island before turning back west and remaining south of the remaining Hawaiian islands.

A landfall is not currently guaranteed, as there’s still some wiggle room with Lala’s path. Regardless of whether Lala makes landfall or passes very close to the southern tip of the Big Island, the Hawaiian Islands will still see big impacts.

Heavy rainfall will continue to impact the Big Island on Saturday, bringing the possibility of life-threatening mudslides and landslides, especially across the areas with steep terrain.

Large and dangerous surf, especially on the Big Island, is also expected this weekend. The greatest impacts are expected along exposed windward and southern shores. The prolonged period of heavy surf may cause localized coastal flooding and significant beach erosion.