Hurricane Lala weakened to a tropical storm on Sunday as it bypassed Hawaii without making landfall. Despite this, the storm unleashed hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall, with some areas receiving nearly a meter of rain, leading to flash floods and dangerous conditions in coastal communities.
A search-and-rescue operation involving Civil Defence, the National Guard, and a coast guard helicopter was initiated after flash floods reportedly swept away several homes in Na’alehu and Wai’ohinu, near the southern tip of the Big Island. Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda described the challenges of the situation due to rushing water, debris, boulders on roads, and darkness.
Tragically, one fatality was reported in a vehicle accident in the South Point area of the Big Island. Honolulu faced severe weather conditions on Sunday morning as tropical storm effects extended across the island chain, prompting numerous emergency responses including reports of downed trees, roofs, power lines, and one rescue operation.
Significant portions of the state remained under a flash flood warning, with the Big Island downgraded to a flood advisory by the U.S. National Hurricane Center. Weather service meteorologist Stephen Parker highlighted the threats of heavy rain, mudslides, downed trees, active flooding, and power outages, advising residents to stay home until conditions improve.
Over 200,000 properties experienced power outages, with the majority on the Big Island. The storm generated powerful waves along the coastline, with intense rainfall and strong winds impacting various regions. Tropical storm warnings were in place for multiple islands, with concerns about flooding and potential wildfires due to high winds.
As of the latest update, Lala was located west of Honolulu with sustained winds of 100 km/h, moving towards the west-northwest. Forecasters anticipated minimal change in the storm’s intensity through Monday, with a possibility of Lala regaining hurricane status later in the week away from the island chain.
The storm’s impact was particularly severe on the Big Island, with some areas receiving up to 89 centimeters of rain, posing risks of landslides in mountainous regions. Precautionary measures were taken, including opening shelters, canceling events, and advising ranchers to leave livestock in safe areas to prevent structural damage.
Notably, the Punalu’u Bake Shop in Naalehu suffered significant damage, reflecting the catastrophic nature of the storm. Residents in various regions remained vigilant, bracing for the storm’s full impact amid power outages and potential risks. The state’s readiness and response efforts were commended for their proactive approach in ensuring public safety during the ongoing weather event.
