Tropical Storm Lala formed in the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, prompting officials to issue a hurricane warning for the Big Island of Hawaii. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall and dangerous conditions to the region beginning late Friday, according to the Miami-based National Hurricane Center.
As of Thursday evening, the storm was located approximately 555 miles south-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii. It is currently moving northwest with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. Forecasters anticipate the system will strengthen into a hurricane, which requires maximum sustained winds of at least 74 mph, as it nears the Big Island. Additionally, a tropical storm watch has been issued for Maui County, covering the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe.
The current forecast track places the storm near or just south of the Big Island on Saturday, with the system expected to pass south of the smaller islands throughout the remainder of the weekend. The National Hurricane Center warned that wind speeds on the windward sides of hills and mountains can be up to 30% stronger than near-surface winds, increasing the risk to residents in those areas.
Rainfall totals are projected to reach 5 to 10 inches across the Hawaiian Islands, with localized amounts potentially hitting 25 inches. The National Weather Service issued a stark warning regarding these conditions, stating, “This rainfall may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.”
In response to the threat, Hawaii Governor Josh Green signed a proclamation on Thursday declaring a state of emergency. This action facilitates the activation of disaster relief funds and directs “all state agencies and officers to cooperate and extend their services, materials, and facilities as may be required to assist in emergency response efforts.” Furthermore, the National Park Service announced that most areas of Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island will close to visitors by Friday afternoon.
Elsewhere in the Pacific, Tropical Storm Hernan formed on Thursday approximately 1,460 miles west of the southern tip of Baja California. Unlike the system approaching Hawaii, meteorologists do not expect Tropical Storm Hernan to threaten any landmasses at this time.
Source: CBS News
