Hurricane Lala is heading towards Hawaii’s Big Island, with a possibility of making landfall, marking the first direct hit from a hurricane in 155 years. The National Hurricane Center reported that Lala’s maximum sustained winds have reached 120 km/h, categorizing it as a Category 1 hurricane. The eyewall is expected 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 have warned that the island’s higher elevations, primarily around the Mauna Kea volcano, could receive up to 63.5 centimeters of rainfall, potentially leading to life-threatening mudslides. Residents living in remote mountainous areas with makeshift housing have been advised to seek safe shelter promptly.
Local resident Bobby Camara, 75, stated his intention to stay put at a care home near Hilo, expressing hope that the power remains on. He mentioned the high demand for fuel at gas stations as people prepare with chainsaws and vehicles. Governor Josh Green described the storm as massive, cautioning about destructive flooding and the risk of wildfires spurred by strong winds across the islands. Power outages have affected 10% of customers on the Big Island.
Residents like Mike Caputo from Keaau are concerned about flash flooding and fallen trees, particularly the albizia trees known for their large size but weak structure. Caputo, a 50-year-old local fire captain, ensured his trees were trimmed in anticipation of the storm.
The Big Island is under a hurricane warning, and tropical storm warnings have been issued for several other Hawaiian islands. The last Category 3 hurricane hit the northeast corner of the Big Island in 1871. The latest projections suggest Lala will make landfall very close to the island’s southern tip.
Shelters have been opened, events canceled, and ranchers advised to keep their cattle in open pastures to avoid collapses of structures. Officials stressed the importance of taking the storm seriously, especially in the remote and rural southern region of the island, where concerns about housing resilience are heightened.
With windy conditions increasing the risk of wildfires, meteorologists have highlighted the potential fire hazards outside the storm’s path. The community remains vigilant following past incidents like the 2023 Lahaina fire during extreme winds, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness during such weather events.
Reflecting on historical hurricanes like Iniki in 1992, which devastated Kauai, experts underscore the unpredictable nature of storms and the need for preparedness in vulnerable regions. The impact of such disasters serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in the face of natural calamities.