Hurricane Lala has diminished to tropical storm status following its passage near Hawaii, though meteorologists caution that the islands remain vulnerable to dangerous conditions. The system passed south of the Big Island without making a direct landing, marking a significant development given that the island had not experienced a direct hurricane impact in over a century.
Despite avoiding landfall, the Hawaiian islands continue to face severe weather threats. Tropical storm-force winds have swept across multiple islands including Maui, Oahu, and Kauai, bringing destructive winds and torrential rainfall. Forecasters predict that some elevated areas could receive up to 90 centimeters of rain, creating risks for flash flooding and mudslides in vulnerable communities.
The storm’s impacts have already proven costly for Hawaii’s residents and infrastructure. Nearly 130,000 customers lost electricity, with repair work hampered by ongoing hazardous conditions including flooded roads and fallen trees. Three hospitals switched to backup power systems. Additionally, at least one fatality was reported in a vehicle accident, and multiple roofs were damaged across the Big Island.
Tropical storm warnings remain in effect for several islands, and emergency officials warn that continued heavy rainfall and coastal erosion pose ongoing risks. Authorities also expressed concern that the combination of high winds and dry conditions could potentially increase wildfire danger across the state.
Originally reported by Aljazeera →
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