Hawaii Could Face New Tropical Threat Following Deadly Storm Lala

Hawaii is facing a new tropical threat just days after Hurricane Lala brought deadly flooding, heavy rain and widespread damage to the islands. Forecasters are watching Invest 90E, a developing system that could strengthen as it moves toward Hawaii this weekend. Here’s what we know so far.

Forecasters warn Hawaii could face new tropical threat

New Tropical Threat Develops Near Hawaii

Just days after Hurricane Lala moved through Hawaii, forecasters are closely watching another system developing across the Central Pacific. 

Invest 90E is being monitored for signs of further organization as it moves toward the islands.

The system currently consists of a broad area of thunderstorms and low pressure, but it has not yet developed a well-defined center. 

Forecasters say conditions could support further organization over the next few days.

The National Hurricane Center gave the system an 80% chance of developing into a tropical cyclone over seven days on Wednesday. 

>>> Read more: What is the difference between a hurricane typhoon and cyclone?<<<

FOX Weather later reported a 90% chance of development over the next two to seven days. If the system strengthens, it could become a tropical depression or tropical storm.

Satellite imagery shows a large area of thunderstorms around the disturbance. 

However, Invest 90E still lacks the tight inner circulation needed for a more organized tropical system. 

How quickly that circulation forms will play a key role in the storm's future development.

Satellite imagery shows Invest 90E developing over the Central Pacific

Source: Fox News

When Could the New Tropical Threat Reach Hawaii? 

Forecasters are watching the system closely as it moves across the Central Pacific.

Invest 90E could become a tropical storm by Thursday, with the system then moving closer to the Hawaiian Islands later in the week. 

Current forecasts point to Saturday into Sunday as the period when Hawaii could begin to see its effects.

The system is still far from Hawaii, giving forecasters time to track its development and movement. 

However, the forecast window is narrowing as the system becomes more organized. 

FOX Weather said impacts could begin as early as Saturday.

Forecast confidence remains limited, and forecasters have not yet determined exactly where the system could track or how strong its winds, rainfall and storm surge could become. 

Still, the hurricane center is urging people in Hawaii to follow the system closely. “interests in the Hawaiian Islands should closely monitor the progress of this system,” the hurricane center said. 

The agency also warned that the system could reach hurricane strength as it approaches or moves over the islands this weekend. 

Invest 90E could become a tropical storm by Thursday

Planning to be in Hawaii this weekend? Check the latest weather forecast for Honolulu to track changing conditions. 

Heavy Rain May Pose the Biggest Risk

Heavy rain could become the biggest concern if Invest 90E moves near Hawaii. 

Tropical moisture could feed into the islands, bringing periods of intense rainfall even if the storm’s center stays offshore. 

The Big Island is expected to face the greatest risk.

Forecasters warn that tropical downpours could trigger flash flooding and mudslides, especially in steep areas. 

Strong rainfall could also worsen flooding in areas that have already been affected by recent storms.

The system could also bring strong winds, rough surf and coastal flooding, but the severity of those hazards will depend on the storm’s final strength and track. 

For now, forecasters are placing the greatest focus on the potential for heavy tropical rainfall.

Concerned about heavy rain on the Big Island? Check the latest forecast for Hilo and monitor changing rainfall conditions. 

Flooding damaged roads on Hawaii's Big Island after Hurricane Lala.

Hawaii Still Recovering From Hurricane Lala

Hawaii is still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Lala as another tropical system develops nearby. 

Lala brought torrential rain and severe flooding to the islands, leaving two people dead and causing widespread damage.

The storm dumped more than 43 inches of rain in Laupahoehoe on the Big Island, one of the highest rainfall totals recorded during the event. 

Floodwaters damaged roads, bridges and homes, while mud and debris covered parts of the island.

Thousands of customers also lost power as crews worked to clear debris and repair damaged infrastructure. 

Emergency teams and residents were still cleaning up in the days after the storm, with some roads and other facilities requiring repairs.

The recent damage has left parts of Hawaii with little time to recover before another tropical system could affect the islands.

Recovery begins in Hawaii after Hurricane Lala caused widespread damage

Source: NBC News

Read more: Hurricane Lala left widespread damaged across Hawaii

The new tropical threat is serious enough to monitor, but its exact strength, track and impacts remain uncertain. 

Hawaii's recent damage from Lala makes even a weaker system capable of creating additional problems, especially through heavy rainfall and flooding. 

References

1. AP News

2. Fox News

3. Washington Post

4. San Francisco Chronicle

5. WDBJ7