Hurricane Lala weakened to a tropical storm on Sunday as it bypassed Hawaii without making landfall. Despite the downgrade, the storm continued to lash the state with strong winds and heavy rain, accumulating nearly one meter of rainfall in some areas and triggering flash floods in coastal communities like Na’alehu and Wai’ohinu.
A search-and-rescue operation involving Civil Defence, the National Guard, and a coast guard helicopter was initiated after flash floods reportedly swept away several homes in Na’alehu and Wai’ohinu. Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda described the challenging conditions with rushing water, debris, and boulders blocking roads, making rescue efforts difficult.
Tragically, one person lost their life in a vehicle accident in the South Point region of the Big Island, as confirmed by Gov. Josh Green. Honolulu faced the brunt of the storm on Sunday morning, with the Honolulu Fire Department responding to numerous weather-related incidents, including downed trees, blown roofs, and power line issues.
Power outages affected over 200,000 homes and businesses, with a significant portion on the Big Island left without electricity. The storm’s impact also prompted warnings for destructive flooding and fire risks due to strong winds, particularly on the drier sides of the islands.
While Lala remained a tropical storm with sustained winds of 100 km/h, it was situated about 220 kilometers west of Honolulu, moving west-northwest at 28 km/h. The storm’s intensity was expected to remain relatively stable through Monday, with the possibility of regaining hurricane status later in the week far from the island chain.
Significant rainfall, mudslides, and other hazards persisted across Hawaii, with some areas receiving up to 89 centimeters of rain. Residents took precautions, with shelters opened and livestock left in pastures to mitigate potential structural damage. The storm’s impact on businesses and communities, like the Punalu’u Bake Shop, was described as “literally catastrophic.”
Despite the challenges, residents like Kate McLellan on Oahu’s North Shore commended the state’s preparedness efforts and communication during the storm. Memories of previous weather events kept residents vigilant, but McLellan noted improvements in storm response and mitigation measures taken by authorities.
The situation in Hawaii remains dynamic, with ongoing risks of flooding, wind damage, and power outages as Hurricane Lala transitions into a powerful tropical storm.