Hurricane Lala weakened to a tropical storm on Sunday as it skirted Hawaii without directly hitting the state. Despite this, Hawaii faced strong winds and heavy rainfall, with some areas receiving nearly one meter of rain and flash floods causing damage in coastal communities like Na’alehu and Wai’ohinu.
Following the severe weather, a search-and-rescue operation was launched involving various agencies such as Civil Defence, the National Guard, and a coast guard helicopter. Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda highlighted the challenging conditions, including rushing water, debris, and darkness, making rescue efforts difficult.
Tragically, one fatality was reported in a vehicle accident in the South Point area of the Big Island. Meanwhile, Honolulu experienced adverse weather conditions, with numerous incidents reported by the Honolulu Fire Department, including downed trees, blown roofs, and power line issues.
Despite Hurricane Lala being downgraded to a flood advisory on the Big Island, the state remained under a flash flood warning. The storm led to power outages affecting over 200,000 properties, with hospitals operating on generator power. Additionally, the storm’s impact included powerful waves along the coast and heavy rainfall causing flooding and mudslides.
The National Hurricane Center stated that Lala was centered about 220 kilometers west of Honolulu with sustained winds of 100 km/h. Forecasters anticipate minimal change in storm intensity through Monday, with the possibility of Lala regaining hurricane status later in the week. The storm’s effects were felt across various Hawaiian islands, with Lanai, Moloka’i, and Oahu experiencing significant rainfall and strong winds.
The island of Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau were under tropical storm warnings, raising concerns about potential flooding and wildfires due to the storm’s impact. Emergency measures were taken, including shelter openings and event cancellations, to ensure the safety of residents and mitigate damage.
The aftermath of Hurricane Lala left a significant impact on communities, with businesses like the Punalu’u Bake Shop on the Big Island suffering severe damage. Residents like Kate McLellan on Oahu’s North Shore remained vigilant, recalling past storm experiences and emphasizing the importance of preparedness and communication during such events.