Hurricane Lala is heading towards Hawaii’s Big Island, with a potential landfall that could mark the island’s first direct hit by a hurricane in 155 years. The National Hurricane Center reported that Lala has intensified, reaching Category 1 status with maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h. The eyewall is expected to pass over or near the island’s southern end, bringing strong winds to the volcanic slopes thousands of feet above sea level.
Forecasters have warned that the higher elevations on the Big Island, particularly around the Mauna Kea volcano, could receive up to 63.5 centimeters of rainfall, posing a risk of life-threatening mudslides. Residents in the mountainous area, many living in makeshift housing off the grid, have been advised to seek safe shelter promptly.
As preparations were underway, Bobby Camara, a 75-year-old resident, expressed his plans to stay put and hope for the best at a care home outside Hilo. The surge in demand for fuel at gas stations indicates the community’s readiness, with people gearing up with chainsaws and stocking supplies for self-sufficiency.
Governor Josh Green characterized the approaching storm as “enormous,” cautioning about potential flooding and even wildfires triggered by strong winds across the island chain. Power outages have affected 10% of customers on the Big Island, as reported by poweroutage.us.
Residents like Mike Caputo from Keaau are bracing for flash floods and fallen trees, particularly albizia trees known for their large size but weak structure. Concerns about road blockages have prompted Caputo to trim his trees in preparation.
The Big Island is currently under a hurricane warning, with tropical storm warnings in effect for several other islands in the region. According to historical data, a Category 3 hurricane struck the northeast corner of the Big Island in 1871. The latest projections indicate that Lala is likely to make landfall very close to the island’s southern tip.
Shelters have been opened, events canceled, and ranchers advised to leave cattle in pastures to avoid structural collapse risks. Vanessa Almanza, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, emphasized that the impact of the storm could be significant even without a direct landfall.
Officials are urging residents to take the storm seriously, especially in remote rural areas like the southern end of the Big Island. Jeanné Kapela, a State Representative, highlighted the need for preparedness, particularly for those living off the grid or in vulnerable housing conditions.
In addition to the immediate storm impacts, concerns about wildfire risks have been raised due to dry and breezy conditions accompanying the storm. The community’s heightened awareness was evident, recalling a past wildfire in 2023 that ravaged Lahaina during extreme winds.
Reflecting on past experiences, residents like Archie Kalepa stressed the importance of staying vigilant and informed about environmental conditions. The memories of Hurricane Iniki’s devastation in 1992 serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of storms and the need for constant readiness and awareness in the face of such natural disasters.