Lala weakens to tropical storm as it lashes Hawaii with heavy wind and rain
Hurricane Lala downgraded after skirting Big Island as one person dies and over 130,000 households are without power. Total rainfall of nearly 3ft (1 meter) was expected on the higher windward slopes, turning rivers into raging torrents and threatening mudslides.
Intelligence analysis by Llama
Hurricane Lala weakened to a tropical storm on Sunday after skirting Hawaii without making landfall, but it wasn’t done punishing the Big Island with hurricane-force gusts. The storm caused widespread damage and power outages across the islands, with over 200,000 homes and businesses without power.
Imagine a really strong storm with heavy rain and strong winds that can knock down trees and power lines. That's what happened in Hawaii with Hurricane Lala. The storm was so strong that it caused power outages and damage to homes and buildings. It's like a big, powerful storm that can be scary and destructive.
Analysis
Storm History and Impact
Hurricane Lala's downgrading to a tropical storm on Sunday marked a significant shift in its trajectory, but the storm's impact on the Big Island was still being felt. The storm's maximum sustained winds increased to 75mph (120km/h) early Saturday, making it a category 1 hurricane. This was the first time a hurricane had made landfall on the islands in 155 years, since Hurricane Iniki in 1992.
Damage and Power Outages
The storm caused widespread damage and power outages across the islands, with over 200,000 homes and businesses without power. The Hawaii governor, Josh Green, said at least one person died in a car accident in the South Point area of the Big Island, where more than 100 homes were destroyed. Three hospitals were operating on generator power, and 19 roofs were lost, Green said.
Flash Flooding and Mudslides
The storm's heavy rainfall and strong winds caused flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas of higher terrain. The National Hurricane Center warned that wind speeds atop mountains and on the windward and leeward slopes are often up to 30% stronger than the near-surface winds used to categorize storms. The possibility of destructive flooding and even wildfires kicked up by strong winds was a concern, with tropical storm warnings remaining in effect for the islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau.
Community Response
As the storm approached, shelters were opened, events were canceled, and ranchers were urged to leave their cattle in pastures rather than structures that might collapse. Many residents were still dealing with the aftermath of devastating floods in March and were taking precautions. Bobby Camara, a 75-year-old lifelong resident, said he planned to 'hunker down, cross my fingers, [and] hope the lights don’t go out' at a care home just outside Hilo.
Key points
- Hurricane Lala downgraded to a tropical storm on Sunday after skirting Hawaii without making landfall.
- The storm caused widespread damage and power outages across the islands, with over 200,000 homes and businesses without power.
- At least one person died in a car accident in the South Point area of the Big Island, where more than 100 homes were destroyed.
- Three hospitals were operating on generator power, and 19 roofs were lost, according to the Hawaii governor, Josh Green.
- Tropical storm warnings remained in effect for the islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau.
If the storm continues to weaken, the damage and power outages may be limited, and the community can start to recover and rebuild. The storm's impact on the Big Island may be less severe than initially thought, and the residents can start to return to their normal lives.
However, the storm's heavy rainfall and strong winds may still cause flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas of higher terrain. The possibility of destructive flooding and even wildfires kicked up by strong winds is a concern, and the community may need to be prepared for a long recovery process.
