Hurricane Watch Issued For the Big Island of Hawaii

Tropical Storm Lala is heading toward Hawaii and could be at hurricane strength as it moves through near the Big Island this weekend. Residents should be preparing for hurricane wind impacts, though most will see tropical storm force winds. Heavy rain will likely cause flooding as well. We're also monitoring Hernan to the east, but impacts are not expected from that system.

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center determined that Tropical Storm Lala strengthened slightly Thursday, and is now expecting it to reach low end category 1 strength as it passes Hawaii Saturday.

The system is expected to continue generally toward the west-northwest over the next several days. Central Pacific Hurricane Center believes conditions should support additional organization and strengthening.

While there is still some uncertainty about the system’s exact track, the GFS and Euro models indicate it is close enough to Hawaii for residents and visitors to prepare for impacts. A hurricane watch has been issued for the Big Island. Other watches/warnings may be issued in the days ahead. This is the first hurricane watch for Hawaii since Hurricane Hone moved through the area in August of 2024.

Tropical storm or 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.

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. 

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center emphasizes that the forecast could change as the disturbance becomes better organized. Small adjustments in the track or strength of the system could make a significant difference in which islands see the greatest impacts. 

People across Hawaii should continue checking forecast updates through the rest of the week and be prepared in case additional tropical alerts are issued. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center will continue issuing regular advisories as Lala moves toward the islands.