Hurricane Lala was downgraded to a tropical storm on Sunday as it skirted past Hawaii without making landfall. Despite the downgrade, the storm brought strong winds and heavy rainfall, accumulating nearly one meter of rain in some areas and causing flooding and landslides.
Authorities initiated a search-and-rescue operation in response to flash floods that swept away several homes in Na’alehu and Wai’ohinu, coastal communities near the Big Island’s southern tip. Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda highlighted the challenging conditions with rushing water, debris, and darkness hindering rescue efforts.
Tragically, one person lost their life in a vehicle accident in the South Point area of the Big Island, as reported by Governor Josh Green. Honolulu experienced severe weather conditions on Sunday morning, with the Fire Department responding to numerous incidents, including downed trees, damaged roofs, and power outages.
Despite Hurricane Lala weakening, a significant portion of the state remained under a flash flood warning. Meteorologist Stephen Parker emphasized the threats posed by heavy rain, mudslides, downed trees, and power lines, advising residents to remain indoors until the storm subsides.
Over 200,000 homes and businesses were without power, with a majority of outages occurring on the Big Island. Hospitals operated on generator power, while powerful waves battered the coastline. Tropical storm warnings were issued for multiple islands, with concerns about potential flooding and wildfires due to strong winds.
As of the latest update, Lala was positioned west of Honolulu with sustained winds of 100 km/h, moving west-northwest. Forecasts indicated minimal change in storm intensity until Monday, with a potential re-strengthening to a hurricane later in the week. The storm brought record rainfall to higher-altitude regions, posing risks to residents living in vulnerable areas.
The impact of Hurricane Lala extended beyond physical damage, affecting businesses like the Punalu’u Bake Shop and causing widespread power outages. Residents like Kate McLellan on Oahu’s North Shore remained vigilant, recalling the devastation from previous storms while acknowledging improved preparedness and response measures during this event.
