Tropical Storm Lala Hits Hawaii, 1 Dead, Power Out

Tropical Storm Lala pushed west across Hawaii on Sunday, leaving widespread damage, at least one death, and major power outages across the island chain. Officials said more than 200,000 households lost electricity as the system moved through the Hawaiian archipelago.

Although the storm weakened from hurricane strength after skirting the Big Island and did not make a direct landfall, meteorologists reported that Lala was still producing hurricane-force gusts and heavy rainfall over Maui, Oahu, and Kauai. Authorities urged residents to stay indoors, warning that downed trees and blocked roads were creating dangerous conditions.

Officials said the storm damaged infrastructure across multiple Power outages and critical services under strain Emergency managers reported that three hospitals were operating Emergency managers reported that three hospitals were operating on emergency generator power. Officials did not provide a timeline for full restoration of the grid, and conditions on the ground were expected to complicate repairs in areas where roads were impassable. Officials said the storm damaged infrastructure across multiple islands, with the most detailed early assessments coming from the Big Island. Reports described more than 100 homes destroyed and 19 roofs lost there, reflecting the impact from wind and water even as the storm’s center remained offshore. Search-and-rescue operations on the Big Island Emergency services, including the Guard and the Coast Guard, began search-and-rescue missions in coastal communities on the Big Island. Officials said operations were focused on Na’alehu and Wai’ohinu after flash flooding was reported to have swept structures off their foundations. Authorities said at least one fatality had been confirmed, while the full extent of injuries and missing persons was not immediately clear. Officials continued to caution residents against travel because of flooded areas and debris, which can shift quickly as water levels change.

Rainfall and landslide risk as Lala tracks west

Meteorologists forecast rainfall totals could reach up to Meteorologists forecast rainfall totals could reach up to 35 inches at higher elevations. Officials warned that such accumulation increases the likelihood of life-threatening mudslides, particularly where saturated soil and steep terrain combine.

The Hurricane Center cautioned that wind speeds in mountainous areas may exceed near-surface readings by 30 percent, a factor that can worsen impacts on exposed ridgelines and infrastructure corridors. Tropical storm warnings remained in place for most of the island chain as the system continued westward, with authorities emphasizing that hazardous conditions could persist even without a direct landfall.