Hurricane Lala headed towards Hawaii’s Big Island on Saturday, potentially making landfall, marking the island’s first direct hurricane hit in 155 years. The National Hurricane Center upgraded Lala to a Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds reaching 120 km/h. The eyewall was expected to pass over or near the island’s southern tip by evening, bringing intense winds to the volcanic slopes.
Forecasts indicated that higher elevations, particularly around the Mauna Kea volcano, could receive up to 63.5 centimeters of rainfall, raising concerns for life-threatening mudslides, especially in mountainous areas with off-grid housing. Residents were urged to seek secure shelter promptly.
Bobby Camara, a 75-year-old lifelong resident, expressed his preparations, stating he would “hunker down” and hope for uninterrupted power at a care home near Hilo. With people crowding gas stations for chainsaw fuel and vehicles, Camara emphasized the importance of self-reliance in such situations.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green warned of the storm’s potential for destructive flooding and wildfires sparked by strong winds. Power outages affected 10% of customers on the Big Island. Residents, like Mike Caputo from Keaau, braced for flash floods and fallen trees, especially the vulnerable albizia trees that could block roads.
The Big Island was under a hurricane warning, with tropical storm warnings issued for several other islands. Forecast models suggested Lala could hit the island’s southern tip closely. Shelters were activated, events canceled, and ranchers advised to keep cattle in open pastures to avoid structural collapses.
Officials stressed the seriousness of the storm, particularly in remote rural areas with growing populations. Jeanné Kapela urged those in vulnerable homes to seek safer accommodations with friends or family. The potential impact on agriculture, including coffee and cattle farming, was a concern, especially for those still recovering from previous floods.
As winds intensified, the risk of wildfires heightened due to dry and breezy conditions. Almanza highlighted the potential for wildfires outside the storm’s immediate impact. Memories of past disasters, like the 2023 Lahaina fire during extreme winds, kept residents vigilant.
Reflecting on past devastation, residents recalled Hurricane Iniki’s landfall on Kauai in 1992, causing significant damage. The storm’s impact on homes and lives served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of hurricanes, prompting heightened awareness and preparedness among island communities.