Tropical Storm Lala Nears Hawaii as Hurricane Watch Issued for Big Island

Tropical Storm Lala is approaching Hawaii with a growing hurricane threat, prompting a Hurricane Watch for the Big Island. The storm could strengthen as it nears the islands, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous surf. Read on for the latest forecast, expected impacts, and safety updates. 

Tropical storm Lala is rapidly approaching Hawaii

Tropical Storm Lala Forms Near Hawaii as Hurricane Watch Is Issued 

A Hurricane Watch is now in effect for Hawaii County as Tropical Storm Lala approaches the Big Island. This means hurricane conditions are possible in the area.

The watch was issued as Lala formed in the Central Pacific on Thursday, August 13, and began strengthening toward Hawaii. 

By 11 a.m. HST, Lala was about 655 miles east-southeast of Hilo on the Big Island, with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and higher gusts. 

The storm was moving west-northwest at around 10 mph, with a faster west-northwestward motion expected in the coming days.

On the current forecast track, Lala is expected to be near or just south of the Big Island on Saturday before moving south of the other Hawaiian Islands later in the weekend.

Forecasters also expect the storm to strengthen as it approaches Hawaii. As a result, changes in its track and intensity will be important to watch.

Hurricane Watch is issued for Hawaii as tropical storm Lala approaches

Source: NOAA Climate.gov

Read more: Difference between hurricane watch and warning

Tropical Storm Lala Could Strengthen Into a Hurricane

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) forecasts Tropical Storm Lala to strengthen as it moves toward Hawaii. 

The system could reach hurricane strength near the Big Island by early Saturday. 

Forecasters say favorable conditions could help Lala strengthen before it reaches its closest point to the islands.

The latest forecast calls for steady strengthening. However, Lala’s peak intensity remains uncertain.

The CPHC is continuing to monitor the environment around the storm. As new data becomes available, the forecast may change.

If Lala reaches hurricane strength, the storm would pose a more significant threat as it nears Hawaii. 

The National Hurricane Center has emphasized that Lala could approach the Big Island at or near hurricane intensity. 

AP also reports that the storm is expected to strengthen. 

Tropical storm Lala potentially strengthens into hurricane

Lala Could Reach Hawaii This Weekend

Tropical Storm Lala is expected to begin affecting Hawaii late Friday. The storm could bring its most significant impacts on Saturday as it approaches the islands. 

The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency says Hawaiʻi Island could see tropical-storm-force winds, heavy rain, storm surge and rough surf from Friday night into Monday morning.

Friday night - Aug.14, 2026

Lala’s first impacts could reach Hawaiʻi Island with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph, including increasing rain and winds.

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Saturday morning - Aug. 15, 2026

The storm is forecast to move near or just south of the Big Island with 70 mph, bringing the greatest concern for Hawaiʻi Island.

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Saturday afternoon and evening - Aug.15, 2026

Storm impacts could spread to Maui Nui and Oʻahu.

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Saturday night into Sunday -  Aug.15, 2026

Kauaʻi could see impacts, while rain, wind and rough surf may continue across the islands for several hours.

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Sunday - Aug. 16, 2026

Rain, wind and rough surf could persist across parts of the Hawaiian Islands for several hours after the initial onset. 

Maximum sustained winds this time could remain near 65 mph.

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Monday - Aug.17, 2026

Lala could strengthen again to around 70 mph. Lingering rain, strong winds and rough surf may continue to affect parts of the Hawaiian Islands. 

Tropical storm Lala is forecast to hit Hawaii late Friday

Source: ABC News

Hawaii Faces Heavy Rain, Strong Winds and Surf

Tropical Storm Lala could bring 5 to 10 inches of rainfall to parts of the Hawaiian Islands, the National Hurricane Center warns. 

Locally higher totals of up to 20 inches are also possible. 

Tropical storm Lala rainfall forecast

Source: NOAA Climate.gov

Such rainfall could trigger life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly across steep terrain.

The heaviest rainfall is expected to begin affecting the Big Island on Friday, August 14, before spreading westward across the island chain. 

Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency says heavy rain, tropical-storm-force winds, storm surge and rough surf could affect Hawaiʻi Island from Friday night into Saturday morning, with impacts then progressing toward Maui Nui, Oʻahu and Kauaʻi.

Wind and coastal hazards will also be a concern. 

Tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 205 miles from Lala’s center, meaning strong gusts could affect a broad area even away from the storm’s core. 

Dangerous surf, powerful rip currents and rough seas are also expected as Lala approaches Hawaii.

The exact areas experiencing the strongest winds and highest rainfall will depend on Lala’s final track. 

However, forecasters are particularly concerned about flooding, mudslides and hazardous coastal conditions.

These threats could increase as the storm approaches the islands this weekend. 

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Hawaii Residents Urged to Prepare 

Hawaii emergency officials are urging residents to complete storm preparations before conditions begin deteriorating late Friday. 

As Tropical Storm Lala could strengthen further before reaching the islands, authorities recommend preparing for possible power outages, flooding, dangerous surf and travel disruptions.

Don’t forget to prepare a hurricane prep list to make sure you have essential supplies and safety measures ready before the storm arrives. 

Stay safe with these hurricane safety tips:

• Stay informed: Monitor the latest updates from the National Weather Service, Central Pacific Hurricane Center and local emergency officials.

• Avoid flooded roads: Never walk or drive through floodwater, as water depth and current strength can be difficult to judge.

• Stay away from the coast: Avoid beaches, shorelines and other exposed coastal areas when surf and storm surge become dangerous.

• Stay indoors during strong winds: Keep away from windows and move to a sturdy interior room if conditions deteriorate.

• Follow evacuation orders: Leave promptly if authorities issue an evacuation order for your area and take essential supplies with you.

• Prepare for power outages: Keep flashlights, batteries, portable chargers, drinking water and nonperishable food readily available.

• Do not rely on the storm's current track alone: Forecasts can change, so continue checking official advisories as Lala approaches Hawaii.

Closely follow hurricane safety tips to stay safe

References

1. AP News

2. USA Today

3. The Star Advertiser

4. CNN

5. CTV News

6. Maui Now