[REVISION HISTORY]

Weather and wildfire risks in Hawaii

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-13 17:30 UTC → 2026-08-13 21:26 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.~~ Island on Saturday, potentially impacting Maui and other islands throughout the weekend.

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