Hurricane Lala has targeted Hawaii’s Big Island, with a potential landfall expected, marking the first direct hit from a hurricane in 155 years. The National Hurricane Center reported Lala as a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds reaching 120 km/h. The eyewall was projected to pass over or near the island’s southern tip by evening, bringing its strongest winds to the volcanic slopes thousands of feet above sea level.
Forecasters warned of significant rainfall up to 63.5 centimeters in higher elevations on the island, particularly around the Mauna Kea volcano, which could trigger life-threatening mudslides in areas where residents live in makeshift housing off the grid. Authorities advised swift relocation to safer shelters.
Residents on the Big Island, like 75-year-old Bobby Camara, prepared for the storm by stocking up on supplies and securing their homes. Hawaii Governor Josh Green emphasized the severity of the storm, anticipating destructive flooding and potential wildfires due to strong winds across the island chain. Power outages affected 10% of customers on the Big Island.
Mike Caputo, a local fire captain, expressed concerns about flash flooding and fallen trees, particularly the albizia trees known for obstructing roads. The Big Island was under a hurricane warning, while tropical storm warnings were issued for several other islands in the region.
Shelters were opened, events canceled, and ranchers advised to leave cattle in open pastures to avoid structural collapse risks. The National Weather Service meteorologist in Honolulu, Vanessa Almanza, indicated that Lala was expected to make landfall very close to the island’s southern tip.
State Rep. Jeanné Kapela urged residents to take the storm seriously, especially those in remote rural areas. The potential impact on agriculture, including coffee and cattle farming, was a concern due to the growing population in the affected region. The aftermath of recent floods in March added to the worries of Hawaii’s residents.
As wind speeds increased, the risk of wildfires heightened, with dry and breezy conditions outside the storm zone. Memories of the 2023 Lahaina fire during extreme winds served as a reminder of the potential dangers. The history of Hurricane Iniki’s devastating impact on Kauai in 1992 underscored the unpredictable nature of storms and the need for vigilance in hurricane-prone regions.