Tropical Storm Lala is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it approaches Hawaii’s Big Island, with forecasters warning of life-threatening mudslides and flooding. The National Hurricane Center has issued a rare hurricane warning for the island, where it would be the first to make landfall in 155 years.
Storm Details
Higher elevations could get as much as 25 inches of rain, causing mudslides in mountainous areas where people live off the grid. Authorities have urged residents to find safe shelters quickly. Tropical storm force winds extend outward for as much as 220 miles and are expected to hit the islands of Oahu and Kauai by Sunday morning.
Destructive flooding and wildfires are possible in the islands. A hurricane warning is in effect for the Big Island, and a tropical storm warning is in effect for Maui County. Shelters are scheduled to open, and various events have been canceled.
State Rep. Jeanné Kapela traveled to the Big Island to be closer to her constituents and urged people to remain alert. The southern end of the island is remote and rural, with agriculture including coffee and cattle, but it’s growing in population due to its affordability.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
