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NewsWPLG Local 10August 15, 2026Miami-Dade

Hurricane Lala threatens Hawaii's Big Island with high winds and heavy rain

Hurricane Lala has reached Category 1 status with 75 mph winds, prompting officials to order residents on the Big Island to shelter in place. The storm is expected to pass over or near the island's southern tip, bringing potential for life-threatening mudslides, flash flooding, and widespread power outages.

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Why It Matters

Residents face immediate risks from extreme weather, including potential structural damage, loss of electricity, and flash flooding, with emergency warnings currently active across the Hawaiian island chain.

Key Facts

  • Hurricane Lala has reached Category 1 status with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph.
  • 32% of customers on the Big Island are currently without electricity.
  • The storm is forecast to pass over or near the southern end of the Big Island by Saturday evening.
  • Higher elevations on the Big Island could receive up to 25 inches of rain.
  • Hurricane warnings are in effect for the Big Island, with tropical storm warnings for Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau.
  • Rainfall is estimated at 8 to 12 inches for Maui and lower Big Island elevations, and 4 to 6 inches for the rest of the island chain.
  • The Big Island has not experienced a direct hurricane hit in 155 years.
  • Hurricane Iniki in 1992 caused $3 billion in damage and six deaths.

Who's Mentioned

organizationNational Hurricane Center“Weather forecasting agency”personArchie Kalepa“Lahaina resident”locationBig Island“Primary area affected by the hurricane”personSteven Businger“University of Hawaii scientist”personBobby Camara“Local resident”personJosh Green“Governor of Hawaii”other210,000“Population of the Big Island”personChristine Matsuda“Local resident”personVanessa Almanza“National Weather Service meteorologist”personMike Caputo“Local fire captain”