Hurricane Lala set its sights on Hawaii’s Big Island on Saturday, heading towards a potential landfall, marking the first direct hurricane hit on the island in 155 years. The National Hurricane Center reported that Lala had intensified to a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h. The eyewall was expected to pass over or near the island’s southern tip, bringing its strongest winds to the volcanic slopes towering thousands of feet above sea level.
Meteorologists warned that the island’s higher elevations, primarily dominated by the massive Mauna Kea volcano, could receive up to 63.5 centimeters of rainfall, posing a significant risk of life-threatening mudslides in the mountainous regions where residents live in makeshift dwellings off the grid. Authorities urged these residents to seek secure shelter promptly.
Bobby Camara, a 75-year-old lifelong resident of the Big Island, shared his plans to weather the storm at a care home near Hilo, expressing his hope to keep the power on. He noted the surge in activities at gas stations as people prepared by stocking up on fuel for chainsaws and vehicles, emphasizing the necessity of self-reliance in such situations.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green characterized the approaching storm as “enormous,” cautioning about potential severe flooding and even wildfires sparked by the powerful winds sweeping across the island chain. Reports indicated that electricity had already been disrupted for 10% of customers on the Big Island.
Residents, like Mike Caputo from Keaau on the east coast, expressed concerns about flash floods and fallen trees, particularly the albizia trees known for their large size but weak structure. Caputo, a local fire captain, highlighted the importance of trimming trees to prevent road blockages.
The Big Island was under a hurricane warning, while tropical storm warnings were issued for several other islands in the region. Forecasters indicated that Lala was likely to make a close approach to the southern tip of the Big Island.
Shelters were opened, events were canceled, and ranchers were advised to leave their cattle in open pastures to avoid potential structural collapses from the storm’s impact. The forecast predicted substantial rainfall across Maui and the lower elevations of the Big Island, as well as moderate rainfall across the entire island chain.
State Rep. Jeanné Kapela urged residents to stay vigilant, particularly those residing in the remote and rural southern end of the island, where the population has been growing due to affordability but faces challenges in infrastructure and housing quality. She emphasized the importance of seeking safe accommodations with family or friends if their homes were not adequately prepared for the storm.
Amidst concerns of increased wildfire risks due to the storm’s windy conditions, residents were reminded to be cautious. Past incidents, such as the 2023 fire in Lahaina during extreme winds, highlighted the importance of weather awareness and preparedness in the community.
Reflecting on past devastating hurricanes like Iniki in 1992, which caused significant damage and loss of life, experts emphasized the unpredictability of storms and the need for constant vigilance and readiness in the face of natural disasters.
