Hawaii is on high alert as Hurricane Lala, a Category One storm, threatens to make a direct impact on the islands for the first time in 34 years. With wind speeds reaching 75mph (120km/h), Lala has intensified since gaining hurricane status on Saturday. The storm is forecasted to unleash heavy rainfall, with estimates suggesting up to 25 inches (63cm) could fall on the Big Island. Authorities are urging residents to brace for potentially life-threatening conditions, including flash flooding and mudslides, as the storm approaches.
A Historic Threat
Hurricane Lala poses a significant risk, not only due to its potential to make landfall but also because it would mark the first time a hurricane has directly struck Hawaii since 1992. The last recorded hurricane to impact the Big Island was over 155 years ago, underscoring the rarity of such events. As Lala continues its westward trajectory, it may either make landfall or pass closely to the southern tip of the Big Island before moving further into the Pacific.
In the wake of the storm’s approach, officials have issued a hurricane warning for the Big Island, while tropical storm warnings extend to Maui County, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau. Hawaii Governor Josh Green has cautioned residents about the severe weather conditions expected over the weekend. He emphasised the potential for “an incredible amount of water,” urging preparedness among the populace.
Flight Disruptions and Power Outages
As Hurricane Lala bears down, significant disruptions are already being felt, particularly in air travel. FlightAware reports that 40% of flights have been cancelled at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, the largest airport on the Big Island, with Hilo International Airport seeing an even steeper cancellation rate of 80%.
Power outages have also plagued residents, with nearly 37,000 customers without electricity as of Saturday afternoon, according to PowerOutage.us. Local meteorologist Jennifer Myers, based in Hilo, described the alarming conditions as landslides have already obstructed several roads, and downed trees have severed power lines. “The river is really, really high,” Myers noted, with the normally clear bay turning a murky red due to sediment and debris.
Community Preparedness and Evacuations
In anticipation of Lala’s arrival, local authorities have been proactive in their messaging, urging residents to finalise their storm preparations. Community forums on social media have seen residents sharing resources and gathering supplies, including sandbags to protect their homes.
The Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency has confirmed that public shelters are available throughout the Big Island, advising residents to complete their preparations and focus on their evacuation plans. The situation is reminiscent of Hurricane Iniki in 1992, which, as the last hurricane to hit Hawaii, resulted in six fatalities and caused approximately $3 billion in damages.
Climate Context
This year’s hurricane season has been relatively quiet across the United States, with forecasters noting that 2026 may be another year of low hurricane activity. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a 55% chance of a below-normal hurricane season. However, recent trends indicate that ocean temperatures have reached unprecedented levels, driven in part by developing El Niño phenomena in the Pacific. The Copernicus Climate Change Service has reported that July 2026 was the second warmest on record, with temperatures 1.47°C above pre-industrial averages.
Why it Matters
The impending arrival of Hurricane Lala serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by island communities, particularly in the context of climate change. As global temperatures rise, extreme weather events are anticipated to become more frequent and severe. For Hawaii, Lala is not just a storm; it represents a critical juncture in understanding and adapting to the changing climate, urging both immediate action and long-term strategies to enhance resilience against future threats.