Hurricane Lala brought extreme flooding and narrowly missed a direct hit on Hawaii.

On August 16, 2026, Hurricane Lala struck Hawaii, leaving more than 100,000 residents without electricity and prompting warnings of severe flooding and landslides. The storm, classified as a Category 1 hurricane, brought powerful winds and heavy rainfall, disrupting air, road, and maritime traffic. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) confirmed that Lala reached hurricane strength with sustained winds up to 130 kilometers per hour. Although the eye of the storm did not directly make landfall, its outer bands caused extreme weather conditions that overwhelmed local infrastructure. The impact was most severe on the Big Island, where over 41,000 households lost power, according to the largest local electric utility. Additional disruptions were reported on the islands of Oahu, Maui, Lanai, and Molokai. Power outages were widespread, with some areas experiencing complete blackouts. Strong winds toppled power lines, and debris littered roads. Emergency services warned that flooded streets posed serious dangers, urging residents to avoid travel through affected areas. Authorities issued urgent calls for preparedness, emphasizing the potential for life-threatening conditions. Governor Josh Green declared a state of emergency to ensure resources were available for flood removal, infrastructure protection, and other preparations. He noted that one person had died in a traffic accident linked to the storm’s disruption. Local officials advised residents to prepare for “massive amounts of water” and stay indoors during the worst of the storm. Floods and landslides were among the primary concerns. Weather forecasters predicted up to 51 centimeters of rain on the Big Island, with localized totals reaching nearly 90 centimeters. This level of precipitation could lead to dangerous flash floods and mudslides, particularly along steep slopes. The NHC warned that conditions could become so hazardous they would threaten lives. Coastal areas faced the risk of high and dangerous waves, further complicating rescue efforts. In response to the crisis, approximately 210,000 residents on the Big Island were stocked with propane tanks and basic necessities such as bread and rice before the storm arrived. Local authorities opened networks of shelters for evacuees from the most vulnerable areas. Many residents took steps to secure their homes, while others relied on emergency supplies distributed by community organizations. The storm’s path brought it close to the southern coast of the island, where Laupahoehoe recorded 43 centimeters of rainfall within 24 hours. By midday, the effects of the weather system had spread to neighboring islands, including Maui and Oahu, where wind speeds gradually increased. The storm’s movement continued toward the west, with the eyewall shifting slightly northward. Observers reported damage to trees and rooftops, with some structures suffering partial collapse. Hurricane Lala marks the first major storm to strike Hawaii since 1992, when Hurricane Iniki, a Category 4 hurricane, caused six fatalities and $3 billion in damages. The current storm occurred during an El Niño event, which typically increases hurricane activity in the Pacific Ocean while reducing Atlantic storm formation. Meteorologists noted that the warm sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific contributed to the storm's intensity. As Lala weakened into a tropical depression and moved southward away from the remaining Hawaiian islands, officials remained vigilant. While the storm avoided direct landfall, its lingering effects were expected to continue for several days. Residents were urged to monitor updates and remain cautious as the situation evolved.