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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 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 bring up to 25 inches of rain to higher elevations, creating risks for flash flooding and mudslides.

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Why It Matters

Residents face immediate threats to property and safety from wind damage, power outages, and flooding, with 32% of Big Island customers already without electricity.

Key Facts

  • Hurricane Lala is a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph.
  • 32% of electricity customers on the Big Island are currently without power.
  • Higher elevations on the Big Island may receive up to 25 inches of rainfall.
  • Hurricane warnings are in effect for the Big Island; tropical storm warnings are in effect for Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau.
  • The storm is forecast to pass over or near the southern end of the Big Island by Saturday evening.
  • The Big Island has not experienced a direct hurricane hit in 155 years.
  • Rainfall is currently occurring at a rate of 2 inches per hour in some areas.
  • Total rainfall for Maui and lower Big Island elevations is predicted at 8 to 12 inches.
  • The storm poses a risk of mudslides, flash flooding, and wildfires due to high winds.

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”locationMauna Kea“Volcano site with high elevation rainfall risk”other210,000“Population of the Big Island”personChristine Matsuda“Local resident”personVanessa Almanza“National Weather Service meteorologist”personMike Caputo“Local fire captain and resident”