# Weather and wildfire risks in Hawaii

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/weather-and-wildfire-risks-in-hawaii
> Updated: 2026-08-12T15:02:00.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2.

In early August, Hawaiian Electric placed parts of West Maui, Kahului, and Hawaiʻi Island under a Public Safety Power Shutoff watch due to high winds and dry conditions. By mid-August, the focus shifted toward preparedness for a potential tropical cyclone, with the National Weather Service reporting a 90% chance of development.

On August 12, Tropical Storm Lala formed in the Central Pacific and began moving toward the Hawaiian Islands, prompting a hurricane watch for the Big Island. The storm, which has maximum sustained winds of 40 mph, is forecast to potentially strengthen to hurricane intensity as it approaches the islands over the weekend.

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

As the storm approaches, some high school football matchups on the Big Island have already been canceled. Officials in Maui County and across the state are urging residents to finalize emergency preparations as the storm is expected to pass near or just south of the Big Island on Saturday, potentially impacting Maui and other islands throughout the weekend.

## Claims

- Rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches are expected across the islands, with isolated amounts up to 20 inches possible. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- A hurricane watch has been issued for the Big Island of Hawaii. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- The storm could strengthen to near hurricane intensity as it approaches the Big Island. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Tropical Storm Lala has maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The storm is expected to pass near or just south of the Big Island this weekend. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Tropical Storm Lala formed approximately 700 miles east-southeast of Hilo. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The last tropical storm to make landfall in Hawaii was Olivia in 2018. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The weather system has a 90% chance of developing into a tropical cyclone over the next week. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-12: Tropical Storm Lala threatens Hawaii with heavy rain and high surf

Tropical Storm Lala is approaching Hawaii, prompting a hurricane watch for the Big Island. The storm may reach hurricane strength, bringing heavy rain, flooding, and dangerous surf to the islands this weekend.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maui-officials-urge-preparedness-for-potential-tropical-storm

### 2026-08-01: Hawaiian Electric places West Maui and Hawaiʻi Island under Public Safety Power Shutoff watch

Hawaiian Electric placed West Maui and Hawaiʻi Island under a PSPS watch due to high winds and dry conditions, urging residents to prepare for possible power outages and water restrictions.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hawaiian-electric-places-west-maui-and-hawaii-island-under-public-safety-power-shutoff-watch

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Cite as: Weather and wildfire risks in Hawaii. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/weather-and-wildfire-risks-in-hawaii