Hurricane Lala Hawaii: Flooding and Warning Updates

Hurricane Lala weakened to a tropical storm near Hawaii, but the danger was not over on Sunday. The National Hurricane Center warned that heavy rain, flash flooding, mudslides, strong winds and dangerous surf could continue across the Big Island, Maui County and other Hawaiian islands as Lala moved northwest.

Published: August 16, 2026 Last updated: August 16, 2026, at [INSERT EXACT UPDATE TIME] HST

What is the current status of Hurricane Lala in Hawaii?

The National Hurricane Center said Lala had weakened to a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds near 70 mph. At the time of its advisory, the system was moving northwest at about 15 mph, with the center located west of the Big Island. A hurricane warning for Hawaii County had been replaced by a tropical-storm warning.

Tropical-storm warnings remained in effect for Hawaii County, Maui County—including Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe—Oahu, and Kauai County, including Kauai and Niihau. The warning areas and storm strength can change, so residents should rely on the latest National Weather Service and county emergency updates rather than an old social-media post.

Although the system was moving away from the Big Island, that did not immediately remove the danger. Rain falling on already saturated ground can trigger new flooding and mudslides even after the strongest winds have passed.

Why is the Big Island facing the greatest risk?

The Big Island has faced the most serious combination of wind and rainfall as Lala passed close to its southern area. National Hurricane Center forecasts warned of very heavy rainfall across windward parts of the island, with the possibility of extreme storm totals in the wettest locations.

Flash flooding can rise quickly in streams, drainage channels and low-lying roads. Mudslides can also block roads or isolate communities, particularly where steep terrain and saturated soil combine with intense rain. Residents should never drive through moving water because the road surface may be damaged or hidden beneath the flood.

Which Hawaii islands remain under warning?

The National Hurricane Center listed Hawaii County, Maui County, Oahu and Kauai County under tropical-storm warnings in its advisory. That means residents and visitors in those areas should continue monitoring official instructions, even if local conditions appear calmer than earlier in the storm.

Conditions may vary sharply from one island or district to another. Windward areas can receive much more rain than nearby leeward locations, while coastal communities may face dangerous surf and wave action. Local authorities can close roads, open shelters or issue evacuation instructions independently of the storm’s overall category.

Are power outages and travel disruptions expected?

Storm winds and falling trees can damage power lines, while flooding can make roads unsafe for repair crews. A New York Times live report said Hawaiian Electric had recorded almost 90,000 customers without power at one point, but that figure can change as crews restore service and new outages occur.

Travelers should check directly with airlines, airports and local transportation officials before leaving for an airport. Road closures, debris, flooding and reduced visibility can delay ground travel even after flights resume. People without power should use flashlights instead of candles where possible and follow local emergency guidance about charging devices and obtaining supplies.

What should residents do next?

Residents should remain indoors during dangerous wind and rain, avoid flooded roads, stay away from shorelines and monitor alerts from county emergency agencies. People in flood-prone areas should be ready to move to higher ground if officials issue an evacuation order. Do not wait for floodwater to enter a home before acting.

The storm’s downgrade does not mean all hazards have ended. The most important information now is the latest warning for each island, the condition of local roads, the status of power restoration and whether additional rainfall is expected. This article should be updated only when a government agency, utility or transportation authority confirms a new development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lala still a hurricane?

The National Hurricane Center reported that Lala had weakened to a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds near 70 mph. Its classification and warnings can change, so readers should check the latest official advisory.

Is Hawaii still at risk from Storm Lala?

Yes. Even after weakening, Lala can produce heavy rain, flash flooding, mudslides, strong winds and dangerous surf. The National Hurricane Center said additional flooding and mudslides remained possible.

Which part of Hawaii has faced the greatest impact?

The Big Island has faced the most significant rainfall and flooding concerns, especially in windward and southern areas. Conditions can differ by district, so local emergency updates remain essential.