Honolulu: Tropical Storm Lala is expected to intensify into a hurricane before reaching Hawaii's Big Island this weekend, bringing with it the potential for heavy rains and destructive flooding, alongside strong winds that could exacerbate wildfires.
According to Emirates News Agency, the National Hurricane Centre has indicated that Lala is likely to achieve hurricane strength by the time it nears the Big Island on Saturday. If it makes landfall, it would mark the first hurricane to do so since 1871. Historical research conducted by a University of Hawaii atmospheric scientist, based on newspaper accounts, documented a Category 3 hurricane striking the northeast corner of the island at that time, shared Vanessa Almanza, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Honolulu.
Almanza noted, "First time since satellites," highlighting the unprecedented nature of this potential landfall. The most recent forecasts position Lala very close to the southern tip of the Big Island. In preparation, a hurricane warning has been issued for the Big Island. Additionally, a tropical storm warning is in effect for Maui County, encompassing the islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe.