Tropical Storm Lala floods Hawaii, power outages mount

Tropical Storm Lala continued to batter Hawaii with severe flooding and strong winds after weakening from a Category 1 hurricane on Sunday. Officials said the system tracked south of the islands, but rain bands and sustained gusts still produced widespread disruption across the archipelago.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center kept tropical storm warnings in place for Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and surrounding areas. Emergency management officials said they remained on high alert as the storm moved westward, with hazards expected to persist even as the center of the system shifts away from populated areas.

Tropical Storm Lala Warnings remain as rainfall and gusts drive disruptions Authorities reported major impacts to essential services Authorities reported major impacts to essential services, including the power grid. More than 60,000 households were left without electricity, and three hospitals switched to emergency generators as conditions affected normal operations. Meteorological data indicated that windward slopes could see up to one meter of rainfall. Officials warned that the expected totals raised the risk of flash flooding and mudslides, especially in areas where water is funneled through steep terrain and drainage systems are quickly overwhelmed. Fatality reported; damage includes roofs lost on Big Island Governor Josh Green confirmed at least one fatality linked to the weather conditions. Officials also reported structural damage, including the loss of 19 roofs on the Big Island, as wind and water combined to strain buildings and exposed infrastructure. Even without a direct landfall, authorities said the mix of heavy precipitation and persistent gusts continued to threaten coastal stability and the integrity of the power network across multiple islands. Officials cautioned that flooded roads, debris, and outages can complicate emergency response and restoration work.

Exit phase still carries mudslide and flooding risk

As the storm system progresses westward As the storm system progresses westward, officials warned that saturated ground could remain unstable. Emergency managers said the terrain may stay susceptible to additional geological movement, including mudslides, as runoff continues and soils remain waterlogged.

Authorities urged continued vigilance while the system exits the region, emphasizing that impacts can linger beyond the period of peak winds. Officials said they were monitoring conditions and maintaining readiness for further flooding or slope failures in vulnerable locations.