HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hawaii Island residents are urged to be prepared as Tropical Storm Lala is expected to reach hurricane status.
Island-by-island watches, advisories and warnings: LIST
In the latest update from the National Weather Service, Lala currently sits about 165 miles off Hawaii Island and about 375 miles off Honolulu.
It’s moving west-northwest 285 degrees at about 13 miles per hour with maximum sustained winds of 65 miles per hour.
Officials said a hurricane warning remains in effect for Hawaii County. A tropical storm warning has also been issued for Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe.
Stay updated with the latest on Tropical Storm Lala
Lala’s Track
Based on its current movement, the NWS said the core of Lala is expected to near Hawaii Island on Saturday, before moving south of the other islands on Sunday.
It is expected to continue strengthening on Friday and Saturday.
Wind, rain, storm surge and surf
Strong winds, heavy rainfall and dangerous surf are in the forecast, especially on Hawaii Island.
Officials anticipate wind speeds on the windward sides of slopes and mountains to be 30 percent stronger than near-surface winds.
Hurricane-force winds are expected for Hawaii Island early Saturday morning, with tropical storm conditions possible on Maui by late Saturday evening.
Lala is also expected to bring between eight and 12 inches of rainfall totals across Maui and Hawaii Island, NWS said. It’s possible these totals could reach up to 25 inches on Hawaii Island.
The NWS added that swells from Lala are expected to reach the east-facing shores of the island on Friday and will eventually spread westward.
Swells are anticipated to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions, officials said.
KHON2 is Hawaii’s Weather Source. Stay with us as we continue tracking Tropical Storm Lala throughout the weekend.
