Tropical Storm Lala expected to strengthen as it nears Hawaii
Al Jazeera
β’Sat, 15 Aug 2026 17:27:57 +0000
π° What Happened
Tropical Storm Lala began hitting Hawaii's Big Island on Saturday. Forecasts said it could strengthen into a hurricane as it neared land. The US National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane warning for the Big Island. Damaging winds, heavy rain, flash flooding and dangerous surf were expected. The center predicted 8 to 12 inches of rain across Maui and lower parts of the Big Island. Governor Josh Green warned residents to be cautious.
π The Backstory
The Big Island has not faced a direct hurricane landfall in 155 years. That makes this storm very unusual. As the storm approached, it began whipping the island with tropical storm-force winds. Authorities warned of hazardous conditions across the state through the weekend. Residents were urged to prepare for possible flooding. The storm is expected to bring hurricane-force winds later in the day.
π― Why It Matters
A rare hurricane landfall on Hawaii's Big Island could cause serious damage. It shows how climate change can bring powerful storms to places that are not used to them.
Tropical Storm Lala began hitting Hawaii's Big Island on Saturday. Forecasts said it could strengthen into a hurricane as it neared land. The US National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane warning for the Big Island. Damaging winds, heavy rain, flash flooding and dangerous surf were expected. The center predicted 8 to 12 inches of rain across Maui and lower parts of the Big Island. Governor Josh Green warned residents to be cautious.
The Big Island has not faced a direct hurricane landfall in 155 years. That makes this storm very unusual. As the storm approached, it began whipping the island with tropical storm-force winds. Authorities warned of hazardous conditions across the state through the weekend. Residents were urged to prepare for possible flooding. The storm is expected to bring hurricane-force winds later in the day.
A rare hurricane landfall on Hawaii's Big Island could cause serious damage. It shows how climate change can bring powerful storms to places that are not used to them.