Tropical Storm Lala nears Hawaii with hurricane warning in force

Tropical Storm Lala is approaching Hawaii, with forecasters warning that it could strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane before reaching Hawaii Island. The storm is already bringing heavy rain and tropical storm-force winds to parts of the island chain, according to officials. A hurricane warning has been issued for the Big Island as residents are urged to complete preparations and stay indoors where possible.

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Governor Josh Green said in a video message that damaging winds, heavy rain, flash flooding and dangerous surf are possible across the state through the weekend. The US National Hurricane Center said in its latest advisory at 15:00 GMT that damaging hurricane-force winds are expected on the Big Island later in the day, while tropical storm-force winds were already beginning. It also forecast 20.3 to 30.5 centimetres of rain across Maui and the lower elevations of the Big Island, with 10.2 to 15.2 centimetres expected elsewhere in the island chain.

The heaviest rainfall could reach 63.5 centimetres in higher elevations on the Big Island, raising the risk of mudslides, downed power lines and toppled trees. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi urged residents to finish preparations on Friday and not wait for conditions to worsen. The warning is significant because the Big Island has not had a direct hurricane landfall in 155 years, underscoring the rarity of a storm of this strength reaching the islands.

The approaching storm is being watched closely because Hawaii's geography can make even a relatively compact system dangerous. Heavy rain can quickly overwhelm steep terrain and drainage systems, while strong winds can disrupt power and transport across multiple islands. Dangerous surf is also expected, adding to the risk for coastal communities and emergency responders.

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The last major hurricane to hit Hawaii was Hurricane Iniki in 1992, which struck Kauai and caused six deaths and billions of dollars in damage. Hurricanes in the Pacific are not unusual, but direct landfalls in Hawaii remain relatively rare because of the size of the islands and surrounding weather patterns. Officials have therefore framed the current threat as a serious test of preparedness across the state.

What remains unclear is how quickly Lala will intensify and whether the strongest winds will reach the Big Island as forecast. The next official advisories will be watched for changes in track, rainfall totals and wind strength. Residents across Hawaii are being told to keep monitoring updates and avoid unnecessary travel as the storm moves closer.

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