Hurricane Warning Slapped on Hawaii's Big Island as Tropical Storm Lala Closes In
Gov. Josh Green has declared a state of emergency and Volcanoes National Park is shutting its gates as forecasters warn of up to 25 inches of rain and life-threatening flash flooding by Saturday.
The National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service issued a hurricane warning for Hawaii County — the Big Island — Friday morning as Tropical Storm Lala churns toward the islands, with forecasters expecting it to strengthen into a full hurricane before its closest approach Saturday.
As of Friday morning, Lala had maximum sustained winds of 60 mph and was centered roughly 435 to 555 miles east-southeast of Hilo, moving west-northwest at about 10 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center's latest advisory. Forecasters expect the storm to cross the threshold into hurricane strength — sustained winds of 74 mph or higher — as it nears the Big Island.
Flooding is the biggest threat
Rainfall is the headline danger: forecasters are calling for 8 to 12 inches across the Big Island and Maui, with isolated totals as high as 25 inches possible in mountainous terrain on the Big Island, raising the risk of life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides. A storm surge of up to 3 feet is expected along exposed coastlines, along with dangerous surf and rip currents. A tropical storm watch is also in effect for Maui County, covering Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green declared a state of emergency on Thursday, clearing the way for the state to mobilize National Guard resources and emergency funding ahead of the storm's arrival. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park announced it will close to visitors Friday afternoon as a precaution.
WE'RE NOT EXEMPT FROM THESE EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS... THIS COULD LOOK LIKE A BIG ONE. — Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda
Mayor Alameda's warning, delivered to CBS News, underscores how seriously county officials are treating a storm that, as of Friday, hadn't yet reached hurricane strength. Emergency management officials are urging residents in flood-prone and coastal areas to review evacuation routes, secure loose outdoor items and stock up on supplies before conditions deteriorate.
What's next: rain bands are expected to begin reaching the islands late Friday, with tropical-storm-force winds possible in Maui County within 36 to 48 hours and hurricane conditions expected on the Big Island by Saturday morning, per NBC News' storm tracking coverage. The storm's exact track remains subject to change, and officials say the warning could be expanded to Maui County if Lala's path shifts westward faster than expected.