Hurricane Lala is heading towards Hawaii’s Big Island, potentially making landfall, which would be the first direct hit from a hurricane in 155 years. The National Hurricane Center reported that Lala’s maximum sustained winds reached 120 km/h, classifying it as a Category 1 hurricane. The eyewall is expected to pass over or near the island’s southern tip, bringing strong winds to the volcanic slopes thousands of feet above sea level.
Meteorologists anticipate significant rainfall of up to 63.5 centimeters at higher elevations on the island, particularly around the Mauna Kea volcano. This heavy rainfall poses a risk of life-threatening mudslides, especially in mountainous areas where residents live in makeshift housing off the grid. Authorities are advising people to seek safe shelter promptly.
Residents are preparing for the storm, with Bobby Camara, a 75-year-old lifelong Big Island resident, expressing his readiness to weather the storm at a care home near Hilo. Gas stations are bustling as individuals stock up on fuel for chainsaws and vehicles, reflecting the community’s self-reliant nature.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green has highlighted the severity of the approaching storm, warning of potential destructive flooding and wildfires sparked by strong winds across the island chain. Power outages have affected 10% of customers on the Big Island, according to poweroutage.us.
Preparations are underway across the islands, with the Big Island under a hurricane warning and tropical storm warnings issued for other islands. The latest projections suggest that Lala will impact the southern tip of the Big Island. Shelters have been opened, events canceled, and ranchers advised to keep cattle in pastures to avoid collapsing structures.
Officials are urging residents to take the storm seriously, especially in remote and rural areas like the southern end of the Big Island. The potential for flash flooding and fallen trees, particularly albizia trees, is a significant concern. With wildfire risks increasing due to dry and windy conditions, vigilance is crucial.
The looming storm has brought back memories of past disasters, like the devastating floods in March, leaving growers anxious about further damage. The community is on high alert, with residents well aware of the potential impacts of severe weather conditions.
Reflecting on past hurricanes, such as Iniki in 1992, which caused extensive damage in Kauai, residents are reminded of the unpredictability of storms. Scientists emphasize the need for preparedness and caution as Hawaii braces for Hurricane Lala.