Hurricane Lala Updates

Key Messages: At 5 p.m. HST, Hurricane Lala is a Category 1 hurricane located 30 miles southwest of South Point, Hawaiʻi, with sustained winds of 80 miles per hour. Damaging winds and heavy rain will persist across the Big Island through tonight. People on the Big Island are urged to shelter throughout the night. Please do not travel as conditions are dangerous, numerous obstacles exist and visibility is very limited. Tomorrow, Hurricane Lala is expected to weaken as it eventually turns northwest away from the Big Island and proceeds west below the rest of the Hawaiian Islands. Maui County, Oʻahu and Kauaʻi County all remain under a Tropical Storm Warning and are likely to experience damaging winds and heavy rainfall with the potential for flash floods and landslides this evening and throughout tomorrow.

Damaging winds could approach 80 miles per hour with stronger gusts especially at higher elevations. Weak buildings will be damaged. Trees will snap and be uprooted, causing power outages and road closures. Heavy rain is expected with localized amounts up to 20 inches in parts of the Big Island and Maui, and widespread rainfall of at least 4 to 6 inches throughout the state. Life-threatening flash flooding and landslides will be a great concern. High surf nearing 30 feet and storm surge up to 3 feet will impact east-facing and south-facing shores, with coastal erosion and beach damage possible from persistent crashing waves.

Recommended actions: People throughout the state of Hawaiʻi should have completed storm preparations and should be sheltering in a safe place with emergency supplies ready, and anticipating power outages. Do not travel unnecessarily as roads will be hazardous and visibility limited. Get tips on emergency preparedness and be ready to operate without electricity if high winds cause power outages. HIEMA recommends you sign up for emergency alerts in your area at: ready.hawaii.gov/alerts.

Last updated: August 15, 5 p.m.
Next scheduled update: August 15, 8 p.m.