HILO, Hawaii — Tropical Storm Lala was forecast to strengthen into a hurricane before reaching Hawaii’s Big Island on Saturday, threatening the state with damaging winds, torrential rain, flooding and dangerous surf, the National Hurricane Center said.
Lala was about 275 miles southeast of South Point on Friday, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph, and was moving west-northwest at 14 mph, according to the hurricane center. Forecasters expected the storm to continue strengthening as it approached Hawaii.
A hurricane warning was in effect for Hawaii County, while Maui County was under a tropical storm warning. Authorities urged residents to complete preparations before conditions deteriorated.
The hurricane center forecast 8 to 12 inches of rain across parts of the Big Island and Maui, with isolated totals potentially reaching 25 inches. The rainfall could produce life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides, while strong winds and high surf were expected to affect coastal areas.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green declared a state of emergency as officials coordinated preparations and emergency response. State and county authorities urged residents to secure property, clear drainage areas and avoid dangerous coastal conditions.
The storm was expected to approach or cross the southern portion of the Big Island on Saturday. Forecasters cautioned that mountainous terrain could affect Lala’s strength and track after it reaches the island, while heavy rain and strong winds could spread across other Hawaiian islands.
The potential hurricane landfall has drawn particular attention because the Big Island has rarely experienced a direct hurricane strike. The National Hurricane Center has warned that the combination of strong winds, heavy rainfall, dangerous surf and possible storm surge could create hazardous conditions even outside the area of the strongest winds.
Officials have also warned residents not to focus solely on the storm’s forecast track, because impacts can extend well beyond the center of a tropical cyclone.
Lala is the first named storm on the 2026 Central Pacific hurricane season list. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration lists Lala as the first name on this year’s Central Pacific naming roster.
As of Friday, forecasters expected hurricane conditions to reach the Big Island on Saturday, with hazardous weather continuing across parts of the Hawaiian island chain through the weekend.
