Honolulu Star-Advertiser-Tropical Storm Lala
"Lala lashes Hawaii Island-landfall as a hurricane possible later today."
Views expressed in this Hawaii news update are those of the reporters and correspondents. Accessed on 15 August 2026, 1604 UTC.
Content and Source: "Honolulu Star-Advertiser."
URL--https://www.staradvertiser.com/2026/08/15/breaking-news/lala-lashing-hawaii-island-landfall-as-a-hurricane-possible-later-today/
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Russ Roberts (https://hawaiinewsmonitor.blogspot.com).
Lala lashes Hawaii island; landfall as a hurricane possible later today
COURTESY CPHC
The five-day forecast map for Tropical Storm Lala as of 5 a.m. today
Lala, a powerful tropical storm, could become the first hurricane to make landfall on Hawaii island in over 150 years later today as continues on a path near or over the southern end of the island.
Big Island residents are advised to stay sheltered today, while the rest of the state is advised to make final emergency preparations for Lala’s high winds and heavy rains as the storm passes south of the smaller islands through the weekend.
Hawaii island is already feeling the effects of Lala as heavy rain, life-threatening surf and powerful wind gusts lash the area. The risk of flooding and mudslides is most imminent on the Big Island, but all state residents and visitors should expect potentially dangerous weather through Sunday.
As of 5 a.m. today, Lala was about 110 miles southeast of South Point and 325 miles southeast of Honolulu with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and higher gusts, moving west-northwest at 13 mph, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Tropical storm-force winds of 39 mph or more extend 205 miles from the center.
“Strong tropical-storm-force wind gusts are occurring on the Hawaiian islands from the Big Island to Oahu,” CPHC forecasters said this morning.
They said that forecast models suggest that Lala’s center may get pulled northwest into or near the Big Island by this afternoon.
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The storm is forecast to peak at 75 mph maximum sustained winds by this afternoon, making it barely a Category 1 hurricane. But forecasters warn that there is “no practical difference” between a strong tropical storm and minimal hurricane, “especially since hurricane-force gusts are expected on the Big Island regardless.”
”Lala has about 12 hours left for some strengthening before the center reaches the Big Island, and the (National Hurricane Center) forecast continues to show the storm becoming a hurricane near the southern coast of the Big Island.”
Lala is expected to weaken after its circulation interacts with the Big Island, and it will turn west on Sunday with an increase in forward speed, and the core of the storm staying south of remainder of the main Hawaiian islands, they said.
A hurricane warning remains in effect for Hawaii County. Tropical storm warnings are in effect for Maui County, Oahu and Kauai County. The entire state is under a flood watch and a high surf warning. The National Weather Service said there was a report of waves crashing over condominium town-homes in Keauhou on Hawaii island.
Hurricane-force gusts are expected on the Big Island today, with the strongest winds possible in higher elevations. Tropical storm conditions are expected in Maui County tonight and could reach Oahu and Kauai County by Sunday morning.
The Big Island could receive 10 to 20 inches of rain, with some areas getting up to 25 inches. Maui could get 8 to 12 inches, while the rest of the state could see 4 to 6 inches, with isolated totals up to 8 inches. The heavy rain could cause dangerous flooding and mudslides, especially in areas near steep slopes.
Surf already is building along east-facing shores and is expected to increase along south-facing shores as Lala moves south of the islands. The waves could create dangerous rip currents, coastal flooding and beach erosion.
The last hurricane to directly hit Hawaii island is believed to be in August 1871. Lala would also be the first hurricane to directly hit the state since 1992 when the deadly Category 4 Iniki devastated Kauai.
If Lala’s center moves over the Big Island as expected, it will be the first direct strike of a tropical cyclone for the island since Darby in 2016 , which was a minimal tropical storm when it crossed the southern end of Hawaii island. The more-powerful Tropical Storm Iselle in 2014 also hit the southern end of the island directly, causing millions of dollars in widespread damage and long-lasting power outages throughout the island.
CPHC listed the following hazards that Hawaii can expect from Lala:
>> Wind: “Tropical storm conditions are beginning on the Big Island of Hawaii, with hurricane conditions expected later today. Tropical storm conditions are expected in Maui County later today and tonight, on Oahu tonight and Sunday, and in Kauai County on Sunday. Wind speeds atop mountains and on the windward and leeward slopes 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.”
>> Rain: “Lala is expected to produce rainfall totals of 10 to 20 inches across the Big Island, with maximum totals of 25 inches possible. Rainfall of 8 to 12 inches is expected across eastern Maui, with totals of 4 to 6 inches, and maximum amounts of 8 inches, across western Maui and the remainder of the island chain. This rainfall will produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.”
Storm surge: Hawaii can expect storm surge from 1 to 3 feet. “The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. The water could reach the following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide … The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast, where the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves. “
Surf: “Swells generated by Lala are steadily building along east-facing shores and will continue to increase through the weekend. Swells will also build along exposed southern shores as Lala passes south of the islands. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions”
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Honolulu call center set up for help
The city of Honolulu will activate a non-emergency call center at 7 a.m. today to provide information and assistance related to Lala.
Residents and visitors can call (808) 723-8960 for storm-related information or to share information with the city. The Department of Customer Services will staff the call center around the clock during the storm.
The center will provide non-emergency information, including storm and weather updates, hurricane refuge area information and other city services and resources.
Anyone experiencing an emergency or needing immediate assistance should call 911.
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RELATED
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>> Months after March Kona lows, Hawaii communities brace for potential hurricane
