Hurricane Lala is heading towards Hawaii’s Big Island with a potential landfall, marking the first time in 155 years that a hurricane might directly hit the island. The National Hurricane Center reported Lala as a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h. The eyewall is expected to pass over or near the island’s southern end, bringing strong winds to the volcanic slopes thousands of feet above sea level.
Forecasters anticipate significant rainfall of up to 63.5 centimeters in higher elevations, posing a risk of life-threatening mudslides in mountainous areas where residents live in makeshift dwellings off the grid. Residents are urged to seek safe shelter promptly. Bobby Camara, a 75-year-old resident of the Big Island, shared his preparedness efforts, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance in stocking up supplies.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green warned of potential destructive flooding and wildfires triggered by strong winds. A portion of the island’s power supply was disrupted due to the storm. Residents like Mike Caputo in Keaau expressed concern over flash flooding and fallen trees, particularly the albizia trees known for obstructing roads during severe weather.
The Big Island is under a hurricane warning, while tropical storm warnings have been issued for several other Hawaiian islands. The latest projections suggest Lala is likely to make landfall near the island’s southern tip. Shelters have been opened, events canceled, and ranchers advised to leave cattle in open pastures to avoid structural collapse risks.
Officials emphasize the seriousness of the storm, especially for residents in remote and rural areas where the population is increasing due to affordability. The potential for wildfires is heightened by dry and breezy conditions outside the storm’s path. The community remains vigilant following past disasters like the Maui town of Lahaina’s fire during extreme winds in 2023.
Kauai, located northwest of the Big Island, faced devastation from Hurricane Iniki in 1992 during an El Niño year, similar to the current conditions. The impact of past storms serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of hurricanes and the importance of preparedness and caution.
