Hurricane Lala targeted Hawaii’s Big Island over the weekend, potentially making it the first hurricane to directly hit the island in 155 years. With maximum sustained winds reaching 120 km/h, Lala was classified as a Category 1 hurricane by the National Hurricane Center. The storm’s eyewall was expected to pass over or near the southern part of the island by evening, bringing its strongest winds to the volcanic slopes thousands of feet above sea level.
Forecasters warned that regions with higher elevations, notably around the towering Mauna Kea volcano, could receive up to 63.5 centimeters of rainfall, posing a significant risk of life-threatening mudslides. Residents living in remote mountainous areas in makeshift housing were advised to seek safe shelter promptly to avoid potential dangers.
Local resident Bobby Camara, 75, expressed his plans to stay put and hope for the best as the storm approached. Gas stations were bustling with activity as residents stocked up on fuel for chainsaws and vehicles. Governor Josh Green emphasized the severity of the storm, cautioning about destructive flooding and the potential for wildfires sparked by strong winds across the island chain. Power outages affected 10% of customers on the Big Island.
Residents like Mike Caputo from Keaau focused on preparing for flash floods and fallen trees, particularly the vulnerable albizia trees. The Big Island was under a hurricane warning, while tropical storm warnings were issued for several other Hawaiian islands. The last major hurricane to hit the Big Island was a Category 3 storm in 1871.
Shelters were opened, events were canceled, and ranchers were advised to leave cattle in open pastures to prevent structural collapses. Officials stressed the importance of taking the storm seriously, especially in remote rural areas like the southern end of the island. The potential for wildfires was heightened by dry and breezy conditions outside the storm.
Reflecting on past disasters, residents remained vigilant, recalling the devastation caused by Hurricane Iniki in 1992 on Kauai. The unpredictable nature of storms like Lala serves as a reminder of the need for constant preparedness and awareness in the face of natural disasters.