Hurricane Lala Impacts Hawaii with Severe Weather and Power Outages

Hurricane Lala unleashed destructive winds, heavy rain, and widespread power outages across Hawaii over the weekend. Forecasters warned of severe flooding, landslides, and hazardous surf affecting multiple islands. On Saturday, the storm intensified into a hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph as it neared Hawaii Island, stated the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Lala’s Projected Path

The NHC predicted Lala would continue moving westward over the island chain, delivering heavy rain and tropical-storm-force winds to Maui County, Oahu, and Kauai. Forecasts estimated that The Big Island might receive 10 to 20 inches of rain, with isolated areas reaching 25 inches. Eastern Maui could see between 8 and 12 inches, potentially causing dangerous flash flooding and landslides, particularly in mountainous areas.

The Weather Channel’s hurricane tracker indicated the storm’s movement west-northwest after passing the Big Island, with ongoing impacts into Sunday.

Destructive Winds and Transportation Disruptions

Strong winds already caused damage. On Hawaii Island’s Hamakua Coast, trees fell on power structures, damaging a 42-mile stretch of transmission lines. Wind gusts near 90 mph were reported in some locations. Mauna Kea’s peak recorded wind speeds of up to 154 mph.

Transportation suffered disruptions. The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) closed Hilo International Airport and temporarily halted commercial ports on Hawaii Island, Maui County, and Kauai due to worsening conditions. Flooding, fallen trees, and blocked roads were reported in several Hawaii Island districts, including Hilo, Puna, Hamakua, and Ka’u.

Emergency shelters opened across affected islands as local officials urged residents to stay off roads, avoid floodwaters, and stay clear of downed power lines. Multiple rescues were conducted from stranded vehicles due to continuous heavy rain.

Storm-related Fatalities and Damage

Authorities confirmed at least one storm-related death from a car crash near South Point on Hawaii Island. Flash flooding also destroyed two homes in Naalehu, while heavy rainfall inundated the Kaʻū District. Governor Josh Green stated that state agencies had mobilized personnel and resources across Hawaii as the storm progressed. “Hurricane Lala is now impacting our state, and the safety of our people remains our highest priority,” he said. “National Guard, law enforcement, transportation, health, and emergency personnel are working around the clock, with resources positioned statewide to support our communities.”

Power Outages Reported by HECO

The Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) reported extensive outages across its five-island service area due to hurricane-force winds damaging transmission and distribution infrastructure. More than 88,000 Hawaiian Electric customers lost power statewide, marking one of Hawaii’s most significant outage events in recent years. This included about 63,270 customers on Hawaii Island, 15,260 in Maui County, and 9,500 on Oahu.

HECO highlighted that restoration efforts faced challenges due to dangerous weather, flooding, and fallen trees. The company stated: “For the safety of crews and the public, restoration work halts when the weather becomes too dangerous. On Hawaii Island, hazardous road conditions such as flooding and downed trees prompted the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency to instruct crews to remain off roads.”

The utility warned customers to prepare for extended outages lasting overnight or longer, especially in regions with significant transmission infrastructure damage.

In Maui, officials alerted customers to expect extended overnight outages, as strong winds delayed damage assessments on key transmission lines serving West Maui. On Hawaii Island, repairs may be delayed, as crews must first inspect the 42-mile transmission corridor damaged by downed trees and collapsed structures.

By Saturday evening, over 67,100 customers had their power restored, with mutual-aid crews from outside Hawaii expected to help once conditions improve. However, HECO has not provided a statewide full restoration estimate, citing reliance on weather, damage assessments, and safe access to affected areas.

As Hurricane Lala continues its path westward, emergency managers are urging residents throughout the Hawaiian Islands to remain sheltered, monitor official forecasts, and prepare for further flooding, high surf, and power outages through the weekend.