UPDATE: Hurricane Lala Only Miles from Hawaii Coast

Lala is less than 90 miles from Hawaii. Recent satellite and radar data have determined it has reached hurricane strength as it grazes the Big Island. Outer rain bands have already started to impact the eastern shores of the southernmost islands. Winds are picking up and will do so through the rest of Saturday.

Lala's intensity has gradually increased in the last 24 hours. It is expected to stay at low-end Category 1 strength as it passes the Big Island. If the center of circulation goes over the Big Island as a category 1 hurricane, it will be the first time a hurricane has made landfall on the Big Island in the satellite era.

A Hurricane Warning has been issued for the Big Island. Tropical Storm Warnings have been added for Maui and all other islands.

Tropical storm and even hurricane conditions could reach portions of the state as the system moves through, even if the center does not move directly over an island. If the eye of the storm stays south of the islands, the higher wind impacts will be felt on the east side of the Big Island, as the front right quadrant sees the strongest winds. Tropical storm winds will start to impact the islands early Saturday, spreading west through Sunday.

Flooding will likely be the biggest threat with this system, as terrain enhanced rain could top a foot of accumulation on the Big Island. When heavy rain saturated soils, trees can be toppled more easily. Tropical storm force winds could have bigger impacts in this scenario.Beach conditions are also expected to deteriorate as Lala gets closer. Larger swells generated by the system could lead to increasing surf and dangerous conditions along exposed coastlines. High Surf Warnings are in place for most eastern facing shores.

Our field correspondent, Jonathan Petramala is on the island as Hawaiians prepare for Lala's close approach this weekend: