Hurricane Lala brought heavy rain and flash flooding to Hawaii's Big Island, destroying over 100 homes and leaving more than 200,000 households without power.
Key facts
- •More than 100 properties were uprooted from their foundations on Big Island.
- •Over 200,000 households across the state lost power due to the storm.
- •Rainfall totals reached up to 32 inches in some locations.
- •The storm reached hurricane strength on Saturday afternoon with winds of 91 mph.
- •One person died in a car accident related to the weather conditions.
Hurricane Lala skirted Hawaii's Big Island, triggering flash floods and mudslides that destroyed more than 100 homes. While the storm did not make landfall, it caused widespread power outages and resulted in one death from a car accident. Governor Josh Green noted that there has been no other reported loss of life.
By the numbers
Storm Impact and Rainfall
The storm dumped up to 32 inches of rain in some areas, causing torrents of water to flow down mountainsides. Hawaii County officials reported that the storm's eyewall passed within 30 miles of South Point overnight, leading to significant flash flooding.
Current Status of the Storm
Hurricane Lala has weakened to a tropical storm and is currently tracking westward, south of Hawaii. According to the National Hurricane Center, wind speeds have decreased to near 65 mph from a peak of 91 mph on Saturday afternoon. Officials warn that despite the weakening, the danger remains.
Timeline
- Saturday afternoonLala gained hurricane strength with wind speeds of 91 mph.
- OvernightThe storm's eyewall passed within 30 miles of Big Island's South Point.
- Sunday, 20:00 EDTThe National Hurricane Center issued an advisory noting winds had decreased to 65 mph.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by BBC Science & Environment.
