Tropical Storm Lala is strengthening as it approaches the Hawaiian Islands. Image: YouTube//Screenshot
Tropical Storm Lala is ramping up to be a real doozy for the Hawaiian Islands, especially for Big Island residents. It comes just a few months after the catastrophic Kona Low flooding that did around $1 billion in damages.
“Large and dangerous waves, especially on the Big Island are expected this weekend, with the greatest impacts along exposed windward and southern shores,” the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) wrote. “This prolonged period of heavy surf may cause localized coastal flooding and significant beach erosion.”
At 5 a.m. on the mornign of August 14, Lala was spinning about 420 miles ESE of Hilo, Hawaii, and about 635 miles ESE from Honolulu. Its wind speeds hovered around 60 m.ph, but it’s set to gather steam as it approaches the Hawaiian Islands.
“Steady strengthening is forecast, and Lala is expected to become a hurricane as it approaches the Big Island,” NOAA continued. “Heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Lala will begin to impact the Big Island Friday, spreading westward across the remainder of the island chain during the weekend. This rainfall may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.”
Josh Greene, Governor of Hawaii, declared a statewide emergency in order to be able to access funds and, if necessary, put the National Guard on the ground. Hawaii County is undre a Hurricane Warning, while Oahu and Kauai are under Tropical Storm Watches. Maui County was upgraded from a Tropical Storm Watch to a Tropical Storm Warning.
According to NOAA, the Big Island can likely expect hurricane conditions by Saturday, while Maui County will likely see tropical storm conditions by Saturday evening. By Sunday, Oajy and Kauai could see tropical storm conditions as well.
“Wind speeds atop and on the windward sides of slopes and mountains are often up to 30 percent stronger than the near-surface winds indicated in this advisory, and in some elevated locations could be even greater,” NOAA warned. “Tropical Storm Lala is expected to produce rainfall totals of eight to 12 inches across Maui and the Big Island, with maximum totals of 25 inches possible across the Big Island. Rainfall totals of two to four inches with maximum amounts of eight inches is expected across the remainder of the island chain.”
