Hurricane Lala weakened into a tropical storm on Sunday as it bypassed Hawaii, avoiding a direct landfall but still unleashing powerful winds and heavy rainfall, with some areas receiving nearly one meter of rain and facing flash floods and landslides.
Search and rescue operations were initiated by Civil Defence, the National Guard, and a coast guard helicopter after reports of homes being swept off their foundations in Na’alehu and Wai’ohinu, near the southern tip of the Big Island. The situation was described as challenging due to rushing water, debris, boulders on roads, and limited visibility, according to Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda.
Tragically, one fatality was reported in a vehicle accident in the South Point area of the Big Island. Honolulu experienced the worst of the storm on Sunday morning, with the Fire Department responding to numerous weather-related incidents, including downed trees, roofs, power lines, and conducting a swimmer rescue.
Although the U.S. National Hurricane Center downgraded the Big Island to a flood advisory, much of the state remained under a flash flood warning with concerns of heavy rain, mudslides, downed trees, flooding, and power outages. Residents were advised to stay home until the threats subsided.
Over 200,000 homes and businesses were without power, primarily on the Big Island, with several hospitals operating on generator power. The storm’s impact on the coast was severe, with powerful waves and high winds causing widespread damage.
Tropical storm warnings were in effect for multiple islands, with Lanai, Molokai, and Oahu experiencing the heaviest rain. Lala’s sustained winds were at 100 km/h, and it was moving west-northwest at 28 km/h, with forecasts suggesting it could regain hurricane strength later in the week.
The storm brought significant rainfall, particularly to high-altitude areas like Mauna Kea, resulting in dangerous conditions for residents living in vulnerable locations. Precautionary measures were taken, including opening shelters and advising ranchers to secure their livestock.
The Punalu’u Bake Shop in Naalehu suffered severe damage, with water and mud inundating the premises. Residents across the islands were on high alert, with memories of past storms causing anxiety and uncertainty. Community members acknowledged the state’s improved preparedness and communication efforts during the storm.
