Lala hits Hawaii: tens of thousands without power, fears of deadly floods

Hurricane Lala, which strengthened to Category 1, is battering the Big Island of Hawaii with heavy rain and strong winds. Nearly 24,000 people are without power, roads are blocked, airports are closed, and more than 130 residents have been evacuated to shelters. Authorities warn of flash floods and mudslides and urge residents to stay indoors.

Hurricane Lala strengthened yesterday (Saturday) to a Category 1 storm and began battering the Big Island of Hawaii with heavy rain, strong winds, and localized flooding. Nearly 24,000 people are without power, roads are blocked, airports and parks are closed, and more than 130 residents have been evacuated to shelters. Authorities warned of life-threatening flash floods and mudslides and urged residents to stay indoors. According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, Lala strengthened with sustained winds of about 120 km/h and was located in the latest update about 105 km southeast of the southern tip of the Big Island. The storm was moving northwest at about 13 km/h but slowed and changed course as it began interacting with the island's mountainous terrain. Forecasters warned its movement could be erratic. The main threat is the exceptional rainfall. The Big Island and Maui are expected to receive between 200 and 300 mm, and in some areas of the Big Island the amount could reach about 635 mm. The storm's outer rain bands have already dropped between 75 and 125 mm within six hours in some areas, and rainfall rates reached about 50 mm per hour in places. Authorities opened emergency shelters in all nine districts of the Big Island, and more than 130 residents are already staying in them, most from the Puna area. Due to widespread power outages, residents were asked to reduce water consumption and use it only for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene. Hawaii Governor Josh Green declared a state of emergency before the storm arrived. A hurricane warning was issued for the Big Island, and tropical storm warnings are in effect for Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Kahoolawe, Oahu, and Kauai. On the Big Island, water levels could rise by about 30 to 90 cm above ground in prone areas. After passing near the Big Island, Lala is expected to turn west and move south of the other islands during Sunday. It may strengthen slightly in the short term but is expected to weaken significantly after encountering the island's mountainous terrain.