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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 16, 2026Miami-Dade

Tropical Storm Lala impacts Hawaii with flooding, power outages, and emergency rescues

Tropical Storm Lala is causing widespread flash flooding, power outages for over 200,000 customers, and structural damage across the Hawaiian islands. Emergency crews are conducting search-and-rescue operations for homes swept away by floodwaters, while tropical storm warnings remain in effect for multiple islands.

emergency managementweatherpublic safetyinfrastructuredisaster response
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Why It Matters

Residents across Hawaii face immediate threats from flash flooding, mudslides, and power outages, with emergency services currently responding to life-safety incidents and infrastructure failures.

Key Facts

  • More than 200,000 homes and businesses are without power across Hawaii's three largest islands.
  • At least one person died in a vehicle wreck in the South Point area of the Big Island.
  • Search-and-rescue missions are underway for homes swept off foundations in Na’alehu and Wai’ohinu.
  • Three hospitals are currently operating on generator power.
  • The Honolulu Fire Department reported 58 downed trees, 39 blown roofs, 12 downed power lines, and 12 arcing-wire situations.
  • Rainfall totals reached nearly three feet (one meter) in some areas, with up to 35 inches recorded near Mauna Kea.
  • Wind gusts reached over 100 mph (161 kph) at the Mauna Kea volcano.
  • Tropical storm warnings are in effect for Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau.
  • Lala is expected to regain hurricane strength midweek once it moves west of the island chain.

Who's Mentioned

personKimo Alameda“Hawaii County Mayor”personJosh Green“Governor of Hawaii”personStephen Parker“National Weather Service meteorologist”organizationNational Guard“Search-and-rescue operations”organizationCoast Guard“Search-and-rescue operations”organizationHonolulu Fire Department“Responding to weather-related emergencies”otherLala“Tropical storm/hurricane”