Hurricane Lala was downgraded to a tropical storm on Sunday, sparing Hawaii from a direct hit but still causing havoc with strong winds and heavy rainfall. The storm unleashed nearly one meter of rain in some areas, triggering flash floods that swept away homes in Na’alehu and Wai’ohinu. A search-and-rescue operation involving Civil Defence, the National Guard, and a coast guard helicopter was launched to assist affected residents.
Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda described the challenging conditions, highlighting rushing water, debris, and boulders obstructing roads in the dark. Tragically, one person lost their life in a vehicle accident in the South Point area. Honolulu faced the brunt of the storm with numerous weather-related incidents, including downed trees, roofs, and power lines.
The state remained under a flash flood warning, with the Big Island downgraded to a flood advisory. Weather service meteorologist Stephen Parker emphasized the risks of heavy rain, mudslides, and downed trees. Residents were advised to stay home until the threats subsided.
Over 200,000 properties were without power, with the Big Island bearing the brunt of the outages. Waves pounded the coast as Lala passed by, narrowly avoiding landfall but still causing significant impact. Tropical storm warnings were issued for multiple islands, with concerns about destructive flooding and potential wildfires due to strong winds.
As of the latest update, Lala was moving west-northwest away from Honolulu with sustained winds of 100 km/h. Forecasters anticipated little change in intensity through Monday, although the storm could regain hurricane status later in the week. The Big Island experienced heavy rainfall, particularly in high-altitude areas, posing risks to residents living in vulnerable locations.
The aftermath of the storm left a trail of destruction, with businesses like the Punalu’u Bake Shop suffering severe damage. Local communities, still reeling from previous disasters, braced for the impact of Lala. Despite the challenges, residents like Kate McLellan on Oahu’s North Shore commended the state’s improved preparation and communication efforts during the storm.
