Tropical Storm Lala: Now 420 miles from Hilo; forecast to become hurricane as nears Big Island

Updated at 5 a.m. Aug. 14

The Big Island continues to be under a hurricane warning, with the center of Tropical Storm Lala was about 420 miles east-southeast of Hilo and moving west-northwest near 12 mph toward Hilo as of the 5 a.m. on Friday, according to the National Weather Service’s latest advisory.

Maximum sustained winds remain near 60 mph with higher gusts. But steady strengthening is forecast, with Lala expected to become a hurricane as it approaches the Big Island.

Maui County, including the islands of Maui, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi and Kahoʻolawe, also is now under a hurricane warning.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Oʻahu and Kauaʻi County, including the islands of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau.

With the storm’s general motion expected to continue, the core of Lala will pass near the Big Island of Hawaiʻi on Saturday and then south of the smaller islands on Sunday.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 205 miles from the center.

Central Pacific Hurricane Center forecasters say preparations to protect life and property on the island should be rushed to completion.

The National Weather Service now has upgraded an advisory to a high surf warning for east-facing shores of the Big Island through Saturday night.

Medium-period swell generated by Tropical Storm Lala will begin to quickly build Friday night. By Saturday morning, east-facing surf for the Big Island increases to warning criteria.

Residents and others elsewhere throughout the main islands and in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument should keep monitoring Lala’s progress.

Expected hazards from Lala

• Wind: Hurricane conditions are expected on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi on Saturday, with tropical storm conditions expected in Maui County Saturday night. Tropical storm conditions are possible in Oʻahu and Kauaʻi counties on Sunday. Wind speeds atop and on the windward sides of slopes and mountains are often up to 30 percent stronger than the near-surface winds indicated in this advisory, and in some elevated locations could be even greater.

• Rainfall: Tropical Storm Lala is expected to produce rainfall totals of 8 to 12 inches across Maui and the Big Island, with maximum totals of 25 inches possible across the Big Island. Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches with maximum amounts of 8 inches is expected across the remainder of the island chain. This rainfall may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.

• Surf: Swells generated by Lala are expected to reach the east-facing shores of the state on Friday, spreading westward and building through the weekend. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

• Storm surge: The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. The water could reach 1 to 3 feet above ground in the indicated areas if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide.

The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast, where the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves. Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances.

• Isolated tornadoes: Twisters are possible around the Big Island, which could hinder execution or emergency plans, cause damage as well as power and communications disruptions. Roofs peeled off buildings, chinmeys toppled, mobile homes pushed off their foundations or overturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads and small boats pulled from moorings are all potential impacts from a tornado if one should strike.

Visit the National Weather Service Honolulu forecast office website to check on specific storm details for expected storms hazards your area plus any advisories, watches or warnings among additional forecast information.