Tropical Storm Lala threatens Hawaii with hurricane watch

Tropical Storm Lala Hawaii hurricane watch Central Pacific weather Big Island flooding tropical cyclone

Tropical Storm Lala has formed in the Central Pacific and is moving toward the Hawaiian Islands, prompting a hurricane watch for the Big Island. The storm currently has maximum sustained winds of 40 mph and is forecast to potentially strengthen to hurricane intensity as it approaches the islands this weekend.

Forecasters warn of significant hazards, including heavy rainfall totals between 5 and 10 inches, with isolated amounts potentially reaching 20 inches. This rainfall could trigger life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in steep or mountainous terrain. Additionally, the storm is expected to bring strong winds and dangerous surf, with waves potentially exceeding 30 feet.

Officials in Maui County and across the state are urging residents to finalize emergency preparations. While the exact track of the storm remains uncertain, it is expected to pass near or just south of the Big Island, with impacts likely extending across the island chain. This event marks a significant weather threat, as the last tropical storm to make landfall in Hawaii was Olivia in 2018.

Entities

Amos Lonokailua-Hewett · Big Island · Central Pacific Hurricane Center · Maui · Maui County · Maui Emergency Management Agency · National Hurricane Center · National Weather Service · Richard Bissen

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 3 SOURCES] The storm could strengthen to near hurricane intensity as it approaches the Big Island. www.staradvertiser.com · cedarnews.net · ca.news.yahoo.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Tropical Storm Lala formed approximately 700 miles east-southeast of Hilo. www.staradvertiser.com · cedarnews.net
[● 5 SOURCES] Rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches are expected across the islands, with isolated amounts up to 20 inches possible. www.staradvertiser.com · cedarnews.net · mymotherlode.com · toronto.citynews.ca · ca.news.yahoo.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The weather system has a 90% chance of developing into a tropical cyclone over the next week. timesng.com · mauinow.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The storm is expected to pass near or just south of the Big Island this weekend. www.staradvertiser.com · ca.news.yahoo.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The last tropical storm to make landfall in Hawaii was Olivia in 2018. www.foxweather.com
[● 4 SOURCES] A hurricane watch has been issued for the Big Island of Hawaii. www.staradvertiser.com · cedarnews.net · ca.news.yahoo.com · www.foxweather.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Tropical Storm Lala has maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. www.staradvertiser.com · cedarnews.net · www.foxweather.com