HAWAII, Aug 15 – Hurricane Lala moved past Hawaii’s Big Island on Saturday without making landfall, bringing strong winds, intense rain and dangerous surf as residents braced for flooding, mudslides and widespread power outages.
The storm’s passage reduced fears that the island could experience its first direct hurricane strike in more than 150 years. The eye of Lala traveled near the island’s southern tip, and National Weather Service meteorologist Joseph Clark said a direct landfall was no longer expected.
Even without a landfall, the storm was capable of causing serious damage. Hurricane-force winds were forecast to continue through the overnight hours, particularly across higher elevations, while heavy rainfall was expected to persist into Sunday. The National Hurricane Center warned that the combination of saturated ground, steep terrain and intense rainfall could trigger flash flooding and mudslides.
Along the coast, large waves repeatedly crashed ashore as strong winds pushed spray and debris across exposed areas. Rivers and streams swelled rapidly as rainwater rushed down mountainsides, while some roads were covered by fast-moving runoff.
Gov. Josh Green urged residents to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. He said at least one person had died in a vehicle accident in the South Point area of the Big Island. The governor also said 19 roofs had been lost and 190 flights had been postponed as the storm disrupted transportation across Hawaii.
“You definitely want to be home, do not be out on the roads,” Green said.
The Big Island, the largest of Hawaii’s islands, is home to about 210,000 people. Tens of thousands of residents were without electricity as the storm moved through, adding to concerns about the ability of communities to respond if flooding, fallen trees or other damage worsened.
Heavy rain raises fears of flooding and mudslides
Forecasters warned that the most significant rainfall could occur at higher elevations, where mountainous terrain can quickly channel water into lower-lying communities.
Areas around Mauna Kea, the towering volcano that dominates much of the island, could receive as much as 25 inches (63.5 centimeters) of rain. Such totals would create a serious threat of mudslides, particularly in remote areas where some residents live in homes or other structures that may be less able to withstand severe weather.
The National Hurricane Center forecast 8 to 12 inches (20.3 to 30.5 centimeters) of rain across Maui and lower elevations of the Big Island. Across the broader island chain, rainfall totals of 4 to 6 inches (10.2 to 15.2 centimeters) were expected.
Tropical storm warnings remained in effect for Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Oahu, Kauai and Niihau as Lala continued moving westward. The storm was expected to gradually weaken, but officials continued to warn that dangerous conditions could remain after the center moved away.
Lala strengthened from a tropical storm into a Category 1 hurricane early Saturday, with maximum sustained winds reaching 75 mph (120 kph), according to the National Hurricane Center.
The storm brought back memories of some of Hawaii’s most destructive hurricanes. The last hurricane to make landfall in the state was Hurricane Iniki in 1992, when the Category 4 storm struck Kauai. Green pointed to the devastation caused by Iniki, which resulted in billions of dollars in damage, destroyed thousands of homes and killed six people.
The Big Island itself had not experienced a direct hurricane strike since 1871, according to research by a University of Hawaii atmospheric scientist. That storm, classified as a Category 3 hurricane, struck the island’s northeastern corner.
The historical rarity of a direct strike added to the anxiety surrounding Lala, even as the storm ultimately passed just offshore.
Before the storm arrived, officials opened emergency shelters, canceled events and urged residents to take precautions. Ranchers were advised to keep cattle in open pastures rather than in structures that could collapse under powerful winds.
Residents across the island prepared for possible power failures, flooding and damage from falling trees.
Bobby Camara, a 75-year-old lifelong resident, said he planned to stay at a care home outside Hilo and wait out the storm. He said people had been lining up at gas stations to fuel vehicles and chainsaws, reflecting the preparations taking place across the community.
“I think stocking up is part of life over here,” Camara said. “You learn to be self-reliant.”
In Keaau, on the island’s eastern side, local fire captain Mike Caputo said he had prepared a generator and filled a 10,000-gallon (37.8-kiloliter) water tank at his home. He said flash flooding and falling trees were among his biggest concerns.
Albizia trees were of particular concern because they can grow extremely large while having relatively weak structures, Caputo said. Fallen trees could block roads, isolate neighborhoods and make emergency response more difficult.
Christine Matsuda, who lives in Waimea on the northern side of the island, described strong gusts repeatedly shaking her house. Rain also found its way into parts of the home that normally remained dry.
“We’re finding unexpected leaks in places that don’t see water under normal conditions,” Matsuda said.
The governor had earlier described Lala as an “enormous storm,” warning that it could bring destructive flooding across Hawaii. Strong winds also raised concerns about the possibility of fires if damaged power lines or other hazards sparked flames in dry areas.
Although the immediate threat of a direct hurricane strike on the Big Island appeared to have passed, officials continued urging caution as rain and strong winds persisted. The danger was expected to shift from the storm’s center to its lingering effects, including swollen waterways, unstable slopes, damaged roads, fallen trees and extended power outages.
For residents already recovering from severe flooding earlier in the year, Lala added another major weather threat to a difficult season. Officials warned that the saturated conditions could make communities particularly vulnerable as the hurricane’s rain bands continued across the islands.
With Lala moving west and gradually weakening, attention turned toward the remaining hazards. Emergency officials continued monitoring rainfall, river levels, coastal conditions and reports of damage as Hawaii prepared for another night of severe weather.