Hurricane Lala has unleashed flash floods and widespread power outages in Hawaii, leaving devastation in its wake as it skirts the Big Island. The storm, classified as a Category One hurricane, has been accompanied by severe winds and relentless rainfall, leading officials to issue urgent warnings about life-threatening conditions, including the risk of mudslides. Thousands of residents are currently without electricity as the storm continues its westward trajectory.
Storm Intensifies with Devastating Effects
Lala intensified into a hurricane on Saturday, with wind speeds reaching a peak of 91 mph (147 km/h). The storm is expected to unleash up to 35 inches (89 cm) of rain in certain areas. Tragically, Hawaii Governor Josh Green confirmed that one individual has died in a weather-related car accident on the Big Island, where many roads have been rendered impassable due to flooding and debris.
By 1:00 AM local time on Sunday, Hawaii County reported two areas on the Big Island experiencing severe flash flooding, with authorities warning that several homes might have been swept off their foundations. Mayor Kimo Alameda noted that the civil defense agency has launched search and rescue operations to locate residents who may have been affected by the rising waters. “What makes this very challenging is that there’s rushing water, there’s debris, there’s boulders on the road, and it’s dark,” he said.
Infrastructure Under Siege
Footage shared by Hawaii’s Department of Transportation highlights the chaos, showing roads submerged in fast-flowing water and obstructed by fallen trees. Governor Green has urged residents to stay indoors, emphasising the perilous conditions on the roads. “Please be very safe… you do not want to be out on the roads,” he cautioned in a video update.
The storm’s impact has also been felt in the air travel sector, with 190 flights cancelled as of Sunday morning. At Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, 40% of flights were grounded, while Hilo International Airport saw an alarming 80% of its flights called off. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued dire forecasts for southeastern areas of the Big Island, where Lala’s eye came closest, warning of potential evacuations and rescues due to major flooding.
Power Outages and Water Supply Issues
As of Sunday morning, nearly 115,000 customers across Hawaii were without power, according to PowerOutage tracker data. Although three hospitals have lost electricity, they are operating on backup generators. In Maui, the situation is equally precarious, with some residents facing interruptions to their water supply. Local authorities reported that crews were unable to assess the situation due to hazardous weather and downed trees.
Meteorologist Jennifer Myers, who resides in Hilo, described the alarming conditions, noting that landslides have already blocked several roads and power lines have been downed by falling trees. “I’m looking at the river right now, and it’s really, really high,” she stated, observing that the usually blue bay appeared “blood red” due to sediment and storm runoff.
Preparations and Ongoing Warnings
Tropical storm warnings are now in effect for all eight of Hawaii’s major islands: Big Island, Maui, Molokai, Kahoolawe, Oahu, Lanai, Kauai, and Niihau. Although Lala did not make landfall, it passed within 30 miles (48 km) of the South Point of the Big Island, causing widespread concern and preparation. Residents had been urged to prepare in advance, with many taking to social media to share images of their sandbagging efforts in a bid to protect their homes.
Hawaii County’s Civil Defense Agency has activated public shelters throughout the Big Island to assist those in need. While hurricanes are categorised from one to five, with Lala falling on the lower end of the scale, its impact is nonetheless devastating. The last significant hurricane to strike Hawaii was Iniki in 1992, which caused six fatalities and $3 billion in damages.
This year has seen the emergence of a strong El Niño, a climate pattern contributing to warmer sea surface temperatures. This phenomenon, exacerbated by climate change, could lead to an increase in both the frequency and intensity of storms, raising concerns for future weather events.
Why it Matters
The unfolding disaster from Hurricane Lala serves as a stark reminder of the increasing vulnerability of coastal regions to extreme weather events. As climate change continues to influence global weather patterns, the residents of Hawaii—and indeed, many parts of the world—are confronted with the urgent need for better preparation and response strategies to mitigate the impact of such storms. The challenges faced by local infrastructure, emergency services, and communities highlight the critical importance of resilience in the face of an uncertain climate future.
