Lala now is hundreds of miles from Big Island, but the storm’s devastation will last a long time
As Tropical Storm Lala continues to move farther away from the Big Island, there remains a flood advisory for the entire island with rain still falling.
Editor’s Note: Updated at 11:00 a.m. Aug. 16, 2026
Lala now is about 300 miles from the Big Island, passing south of Kauaʻi.
Streams remain elevated across the island, with additional bands of moderate rain expected to end soon.
Lala has decreased in intensity, now with sustained winds of 65 mph as it moves at 16 mph in a northwest direction, according to the 11 a.m. Sunday advisory from the National Hurricane Center.
The storm is expected to turn westward soon.
Then, a continued westward motion is forecast through Tuesday night. The center of the storm is forecast to pass south of Kauaʻi County today and move south of the easternmost Northwestern Hawaiian Islands early this week.
Heavy rainfall and gusty winds continue over portions of Maui and Oʻahu. Conditions are now deteriorating over Kauaʻi County.
On the Big Island, local law enforcement reported two homes swept away due to intense rainfall over Nāʻālehu earlier in the night.
There are still numerous road closures across the island. For what you need to know about the closures, power outages and more, click here.
The high surf advisory for the Big Island has been canceled.
Because of the spring severe weather this year, including the kona lows in March, some people on the Big Island have already lost their water sources, with some roofs destabilized. There might even still be large caverns that were formed under places, especially in the southern part of the island.
Hawai’i County Mayor Kimo Alameda, who attended the press briefing online, said the island hasn’t had a direct hit from a hurricane since 1871 — 155 years ago.
Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda speaks Aug. 14, 2026, via the internet from the Big Island during a press briefing about Tropical Storm Lala with Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green. (Screenshot from Video/Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green official Facebook page)- Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green, speaks Aug. 14, 2026, during a press briefing about Tropical Storm Lala. (Screenshot from Video/Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green official Facebook page)
- National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist, who works at the Honolulu forecast office, speaks Aug. 14, 2026, during a press briefing about Tropical Storm Lala with Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green. (Screenshot from Video/Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green official Facebook page)
Visit the National Weather Service Honolulu forecast office website to find storm information specific to your area, such as possible inland advisories, watches and warnings along with being able to monitor your local forecast.
