Hurricane Lala weakened to a tropical storm on Sunday as it bypassed Hawaii without directly hitting the state. Despite this, the storm caused significant damage with strong winds and heavy rainfall, with some areas receiving up to nearly one meter of rain, leading to flash floods and landslides.
A rescue operation was initiated by Civil Defence, the National Guard, and a coast guard helicopter after flash floods reportedly swept away several homes in Na’alehu and Wai’ohinu. Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda highlighted the challenges faced due to rushing water, debris, and darkness during the rescue efforts.
Tragically, one person lost their life in a vehicle accident in the South Point region of the Big Island. Honolulu experienced the worst of the storm on Sunday morning, with the Fire Department responding to numerous incidents including downed trees, roofs, and power lines, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
The state remained under a flash flood warning, with the Big Island downgraded to a flood advisory. The main threats included heavy rain, mudslides, fallen trees, active flooding, and power outages, as advised by meteorologist Stephen Parker.
Approximately 200,000 properties were without power, with a majority on the Big Island. Moreover, three hospitals were operating on generator power due to the storm’s impact. Lala’s powerful winds and rain caused havoc along the coast, narrowly missing landfall but still inflicting damage.
Tropical storm warnings were in place for various islands, with the possibility of destructive flooding and wildfires due to strong winds. Lala’s intensity was expected to remain stable, with a potential re-strengthening to a hurricane later in the week.
As the storm approached, precautions were taken, including opening shelters and advising ranchers to secure their livestock. The aftermath of the storm left a trail of destruction, with businesses like the Punalu’u Bake Shop suffering severe losses.
Residents across the state were bracing for the worst, with memories of previous storms keeping them on edge. Despite the challenges, preparation and communication during the storm have been commended for their effectiveness in ensuring public safety.