Hurricane Lala set its sights on Hawaii’s Big Island over the weekend, heading towards a potential landfall that could mark the first direct hit from a hurricane in 155 years. The National Hurricane Center reported that Lala’s maximum sustained winds had reached 120 km/h, classifying it as a Category 1 hurricane. It was projected that the eyewall would pass over or near the island’s southern tip by evening, bringing its most intense winds to the volcanic slopes thousands of feet above sea level.
Meteorologists warned that the higher elevations of the island, primarily dominated by the towering Mauna Kea volcano, could receive up to 63.5 centimeters of rainfall, potentially triggering life-threatening mudslides in mountainous regions where residents live in makeshift dwellings off the grid. Authorities advised these individuals to seek secure shelter promptly.
Bobby Camara, a 75-year-old lifelong Big Island resident, expressed his plans to weather the storm at a care home just outside Hilo, saying he hoped the power would remain on. He noted the increased activity at gas stations as people prepared by stocking up on fuel for chainsaws and vehicles, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance in such situations.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green characterized the approaching storm as significant, cautioning about the potential for severe flooding and the risk of wildfires sparked by strong winds sweeping through the island chain. Reports indicated that power outages affected 10% of customers on the Big Island.
Mike Caputo, a resident of Keaau near the island’s eastern coast, highlighted the primary concerns of flash flooding and fallen trees, particularly the albizia tree species known for its large size but weak structure. Caputo, a local fire captain, mentioned his proactive efforts in trimming trees ahead of the storm to prevent road blockages.
The Big Island was under a hurricane warning, while tropical storm warnings were issued for various other Hawaiian islands. The latest projections suggested that Lala would make landfall very close to the southern edge of the Big Island, according to Vanessa Almanza, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Honolulu.
Precautionary measures were taken, with shelters opened, events canceled, and ranchers advised to leave cattle in open pastures to avoid structural collapse risks. Forecasters anticipated total rainfall amounts ranging from 20.3 to 30.5 centimeters across Maui and the lower elevations of the Big Island, with 10.2 to 15.2 centimeters forecasted for the entire island chain.
Officials emphasized the seriousness of the impending storm, urging residents to remain vigilant, especially in the remote and rural southern region where agriculture, including coffee and cattle farming, is prevalent. State Rep. Jeanné Kapela stressed the importance of seeking safe accommodations for those living in vulnerable or substandard housing.
Many residents were still recovering from recent floods in March, with concerns raised about potential additional damage, particularly among agricultural growers, as conveyed by Hawaii Farm Bureau director Brian Miyamoto.
As wind speeds increased across the islands, experts warned of elevated wildfire risks due to dry and breezy conditions coinciding with the storm. The memory of the 2023 Lahaina fire during extreme winds underscored the vigilance required during such weather events.
Looking back at history, Hurricane Iniki’s devastating impact in 1992 on Kauai, during an El Niño year similar to the current one, served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of tropical storms. The potential for destruction and loss of life underlined the importance of preparedness and swift action in the face of natural disasters.
