Hurricane Lala passed close to Hawaii’s Big Island without making landfall, bringing strong winds, intense rainfall and dangerous conditions across the region. The storm flooded roads, pushed rivers to dangerous levels and caused widespread power outages as residents prepared for worsening weather.

Storm’s Direct Hit Threat Fades

The threat of a direct hurricane strike weakened on Saturday afternoon local time as Lala’s eye moved past the southern tip of the Big Island. A landfall was no longer expected, although hurricane-force winds were forecast to continue into the overnight hours.

The National Hurricane Center warned that the strongest wind gusts could occur at higher elevations. Heavy rain was also expected to continue into Sunday, increasing the risk of flooding and mudslides. Powerful waves were forecast to affect coastal areas.

Lala reached peak winds of 80 miles per hour, making it a Category 1 hurricane. As the system moved beyond the southern part of the Big Island, forecasters expected it to gradually weaken.

Power Outages and Travel Disruptions

Hawaii Governor Josh Green said more than 60,000 households had lost power, at least temporarily. Three hospitals also experienced power outages, although backup generators were available.

Green also said one person had died in a car accident and urged residents to remain at home while dangerous conditions continued. About 190 flights were postponed as the storm affected transportation across the islands.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation closed Hilo International Airport and announced plans to close Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole. Commercial ports on Hawaii Island, Maui County and Kaua‘i were also closed.

PowerOutage.us reported that electricity had been knocked out for nearly 20 percent of customers on the Big Island.

Rain Threat Raises Flood and Mudslide Fears

Forecasters warned that rainfall could become especially intense in higher parts of the island, including areas around the towering Mauna Kea volcano. Some higher elevations could receive as much as 63 centimetres of rain.

Such rainfall could trigger life-threatening mudslides, particularly in mountainous areas where some residents live off the grid and in improvised housing.

The National Weather Service also warned of dangerous surf and localised flooding. The Big Island remained under a hurricane warning, while tropical storm warnings covered Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Oahu, Kauai and Niihau.

Before Lala moved past the island, shelters were opened, events were cancelled and ranchers were advised to keep cattle in pastures rather than potentially unsafe structures.

Residents Prepare for Power Loss and Flooding

Residents across the Big Island took precautions as the storm approached. Bobby Camara, 75, said he planned to remain at a care home near Hilo and hoped the electricity would stay on. He also observed that gas stations were busy as people prepared vehicles and gathered fuel for chainsaws.

In Keaau, near the island’s east coast, local fire captain Mike Caputo said flash flooding and fallen trees were among the main concerns. He noted that large albizia trees can become dangerous during strong winds and block roads when they fall.

The storm’s approach prompted residents to prepare for possible disruptions, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding and falling trees.

Hawaii Remembers Past Hurricane Damage

The Big Island has experienced major hurricanes before. Research by a University of Hawaii atmospheric scientist found that a Category 3 hurricane struck the island’s northeastern corner in 1871.

The region has also seen the devastating effects of major hurricanes elsewhere in the Hawaiian Islands. Hurricane Iniki made landfall on Kauai as a Category 4 hurricane in 1992, causing about $3 billion in damage, destroying thousands of homes and killing six people.

Lala did not make landfall on the Big Island, but the storm still brought dangerous conditions, widespread power outages and significant travel disruptions. With heavy rain and strong winds expected to continue, authorities warned residents to remain cautious as the hurricane moved away and gradually weakened.

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