Tropical Storm Lala is gaining strength south and east of Hawaii and is forecast to become a hurricane today; as a hurricane it is expected to make landfall on the Big Island of Hawaii or travel just south of it, moving west-northwest along the island chain. With the storm getting stronger and a forecast storm path to take it close to all the islands of the state, additional watches and warnings have been issued in the Aloha State ahead of Lala’s arrival and impact.

With odds of impacts to the islands increasing, the Central Pacific Hurricane Center and National Hurricane Center have made updates to the watches and warnings that were previously issued. The Tropical Storm Watch for Maui County has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning; Maui County includes the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe. Now a  Tropical Storm Watch has also been issued for Oahu and Kauai Counties; Kauai County includes the islands of Kauai and Niihau.

A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area. A warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion on the Big Island of Hawaii.

A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours. A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, in this case within the next 36 to 48 hours.

“Interests in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument should monitor the progress of Lala,” warns the Central Pacific Hurricane Center which says additional advisories could be issued in time west of Kauai.

In this morning’s update from the Central Pacific Hurricane Center,  the center of Tropical Storm Lala was located near latitude 16.7 North, longitude 149.5 West, or roughly 420 miles east-southeast of Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii and about 635 miles east-southeast from Honolulu on the island of Oahu in the middle of the state.

Lala is moving toward the west-northwest near 12 mph. This general motion is expected to continue, taking the core of Lala near the Big Island of Hawaii on Saturday and then south of the smaller islands on Sunday. Maximum sustained winds remain near 60 mph  with higher gusts. Steady strengthening is forecast, and Lala is expected to become a hurricane as it approaches the Big Island.  The central minimum pressure has fallen to 997 mb or 29.44″.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 205 miles north of the center. The Big Island is about 80 miles wide and 95 miles tall which means even if the center of the storm passed 100 miles south of the southernmost tip of the Big Island, the entire Big Island would be within the sustained tropical storm force wind field with sustained winds greater than 39 mph.  With the core passing over or just south of the Big Island, it is also possible hurricane force sustained winds of 75 mph or greater could impact portions of the island too, with increasing chances of higher winds on the eastern and southern half of the island.

Lala is expected to bring dangerous wind,  rain, storm surge, surf, and threat of tornadoes to Hawaii.

Hurricane force wind conditions are expected on the Big Island of Hawaii on Saturday, with tropical storm conditions expected in Maui County Saturday night. Tropical storm conditions are possible in Oahu and Kauai Counties on Sunday. Wind speeds atop and on the windward sides of slopes and mountains are often up to 30% stronger than the near-surface winds indicated in this advisory, and in some elevated locations could be even greater.

Tropical Storm Lala is expected to produce rainfall totals of 8-12″ across Maui and the Big Island, with maximum totals of 25″ possible across the Big Island. Rainfall totals of 2-4″ with maximum amounts of 8″ is expected across the remainder of the island chain. This rainfall may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.

The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by
rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. The water could reach 1-3′  above ground around the Big Island if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide. The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast, where the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves. Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances.

Swells generated by Lala are expected to reach the east-facing shores of the state today, spreading westward and building through the weekend. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

There’s also the risk of isolated tornadoes across the Big Island and Maui from the approaching storm. The Honolulu-based National Weather Service office warns, “The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power and communications disruptions. Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and small boats pulled from moorings.”  Waterspouts are possible in the waters around the Hawaiian Islands too, posing a threat to mariners.

 

Last night, the Governor of Hawaii signed an Emergency Proclamation ahead of Lala’s arrival. Governor Josh Green declared a state of emergency for Hawai‘i ahead of Tropical Storm Lala; the proclamation activates the Major Disaster Fund, authorizes the activation of the Hawaiʻi National Guard if needed — and directs state agencies to provide personnel, facilities and other resources for emergency response efforts. It also enables expedited action to clear debris, secure critical infrastructure and prepare for, respond to and recover from potential storm impacts.

“Tropical Storm Lala poses a serious threat to our state, particularly Hawaiʻi Island — and we are taking action now to ensure resources are available where they are needed,” said Governor Green. “Our state and county emergency teams are coordinating closely with federal partners. I urge everyone to secure their homes, gather essential supplies, review their family emergency plans and follow updates from trusted official sources. Please take this storm seriously and look out for one another.”