Hurricane Lala caused severe damage in Hawaii, with strong winds, heavy rain, and mass power outages over the weekend. Forecasters have issued warnings for life-threatening flooding, landslides, and perilous surf conditions across the islands. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported Lala’s peak winds at 75 mph as the hurricane passed near Hawaii Island.
Lala’s Projected Path
The NHC predicts Lala will move west across the island chain, bringing intense rainfall and tropical-storm-force winds to Maui County, Oahu, and Kauai. Rainfall estimates suggest up to 20 inches on parts of The Big Island, with isolated areas possibly receiving 25 inches. Eastern Maui could see 8 to 12 inches of rain. Officials warn of potential flash floods and mudslides, especially in mountainous regions.
According to The Weather Channel, the storm will continue west-northwest across the state, with impacts likely to persist into Sunday. Wind gusts have already reached 90 mph, causing significant damage. On Hawaii Island’s Hamakua Coast, several trees fell onto power lines, damaging a 42-mile stretch of transmission lines. Mauna Kea recorded maximum gusts up to 154 mph.
Transportation Disruptions
The severe weather has disrupted transportation. The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) closed Hilo International Airport and temporarily shut commercial ports on Hawaii Island, Maui County, and Kauai due to worsening conditions. Reports indicate flooding, downed trees, and blocked roads in several districts, including Hilo, Puna, Hamakua, and Ka’u.
Emergency shelters are open on affected islands, with officials advising residents to stay off the roads, avoiding floodwaters and fallen power lines. Hawaii County has completed multiple rescues of people trapped in vehicles amid the continuous rainfall.
Casualties and Damage
Authorities have confirmed a storm-related fatality following a car crash near South Point on Hawaii Island. Flash floods also destroyed two homes in Naalehu as heavy rain overwhelmed the Kaʻū District. Governor Josh Green stated that state agencies have deployed resources across Hawaii. “Hurricane Lala is impacting our state, and our top priority is the safety of our people,” Green emphasized. State resources from the National Guard, law enforcement, transportation, health, and emergency services are actively supporting communities.
HECO Power Outages
The Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) reported substantial outages across its service areas as hurricane-force winds ravaged power infrastructure. By Saturday evening, over 88,000 customers had lost power statewide, marking one of the most significant outages in recent years. This includes about 63,270 on Hawaii Island, 15,260 in Maui County, and 9,500 on Oahu.
The hardest-hit places included the east and south sides of Hawaii Island, Waimea, and Honokaa. West Maui and parts of Upcountry and South Maui experienced power loss as well. On Oahu, outages affected areas such as Aina Haina, Kaimuki, Kalihi, Mapunapuna, Manoa, and Nuuanu.
HECO cited hazardous weather, flooding, and fallen trees as obstacles in restoration efforts. In a statement, they noted: “Restoration work must halt when conditions become dangerous for crews and the public.” Hazardous conditions prevented crews from accessing roads on Hawaii Island due to flooding and downed trees.
HECO warns customers to brace for possible long-lasting outages, especially where major infrastructure has suffered damage. On Maui, officials anticipate extended power loss overnight due to damage assessment delays. On Hawaii Island, extensive transmission corridor inspections are required before restoration can begin.
More than 67,100 customers had their power restored by Saturday evening. HECO expects mutual-aid crews from outside Hawaii to assist once conditions improve. However, full restoration timelines remain uncertain, contingent on weather, assessments, and safe access to affected areas.
As Hurricane Lala continues westward, officials urge residents to stay sheltered and monitor safety advisories. Residents should prepare for ongoing flooding, surf, and power disruptions through the weekend.