Tropical Storm Lala has put Hawaii on alert as it moves across the Pacific Ocean and gains strength. The system formed Thursday, and forecasts indicate that it could intensify into a hurricane before approaching the islands during the weekend.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a hurricane warning for Hawaii’s Big Island, while other areas, including Maui and nearby islands, remain under tropical storm watches due to the system’s expected impacts.
Lala could bring extremely heavy rainfall, flash flooding, landslides, strong winds, and dangerous surf. Forecasts call for rainfall totals between 8 and 12 inches in some areas of Maui and the Big Island, with isolated amounts potentially reaching 25 inches.
Will Lala become a hurricane?
Current forecasts indicate that it could, although its exact strength will depend on how the system develops before reaching Hawaii.
Local authorities have already begun strengthening preparedness measures as residents brace for possible flooding and other dangerous conditions.
