Tropical Storm Lala Forms in Pacific, Hurricane Watch Issued for Big Island of Hawaii
Tropical Storm Lala formed Thursday in the Central Pacific Ocean, prompting a hurricane watch for the Big Island of Hawaii as forecasters warned of potentially life-threatening flooding, damaging winds and dangerous surf across the island chain this weekend.
The storm was located approximately 700 miles east-southeast of Hawaii with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (64 km/h) and was moving west at 10 mph, according to AP News. The National Hurricane Center said steady strengthening is forecast, and Lala could be near hurricane strength—the 74 mph threshold—as it approaches the Big Island by early Saturday.
Hurricane Watch and Expected Impacts
A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area, typically issued 48 hours ahead of potential tropical-storm-force winds. Forecasters with the Central Pacific Hurricane Center expect the storm to bring rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches across much of the island chain, with up to 20 inches possible in some areas—particularly over windward regions of Maui and the Big Island.
“Heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Lala will begin to impact the Big Island Friday, spreading westward across the island chain during the weekend,” Hawaii News Now reported, citing the National Hurricane Center. “This rainfall may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.”
Beyond the rain, forecasters warn of large and dangerous swells hitting east-facing shores starting Friday, with waves potentially exceeding 30 feet in some areas. Storm surge of 1 to 3 feet above ground is possible if peak surge coincides with high tide. The National Weather Service also flagged an elevated wildfire risk Friday, as strengthening winds ahead of the storm combine with dry conditions and low relative humidity.
Preparation Efforts Underway
State and county agencies across Hawaii have been ramping up preparations as the storm approaches. Hawaii County crews have been clearing flood channels in South Kona, while on Oahu, city workers are cleaning Manoa and Kalihi streams, placing erosion-control mats, and trimming trees along major roadways.
Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda urged residents to secure loose outdoor items and stay informed. “If there’s anything outside, loose items, chairs, canopies, you want to tie them down,” Alameda said, as reported by Hawaii News Now. “Also, there could be high surf. Stay informed because we may have to evacuate.”
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi struck a similar tone, telling residents, “This is the time to prepare, not panic,” according to USA Today. “We still do not know exactly where this system will track or how strong it will become, but we know enough to take it seriously.”
Residents have been responding. Hilo resident Kelly Kahawai told Hawaii News Now she has already filled her gas tank and plans to stock up on water, flashlights and candles. At HPM Building Supply in Hilo, senior adviser Darryl Oliveira noted the typical pre-storm rush: “We see typical run on things like water. We definitely see uptick in sales typically with the weather events.”
A Rare Direct Threat
If Lala makes a direct landfall on the Big Island, it would be the first direct strike of a tropical cyclone for the island since Tropical Storm Iselle in 2014, which caused widespread wind damage. The last hurricane to make landfall in Hawaii was Category 4 Hurricane Iniki in 1992, which remains the costliest hurricane in Hawaiian history, according to Fox Weather.
Lala is the ninth named storm of the 2026 Pacific hurricane season, a season that has been significantly more active than normal. NOAA forecast an above-normal season with 15-22 named storms, 9-14 hurricanes, and 5-9 major hurricanes, citing an El Niño event that has been strengthening to record territory, according to Wikipedia. During El Niño years, above-average water temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific fuel increased tropical activity in the Pacific Basin.
What’s Next
Lala is expected to pass south of the smaller islands (Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu and Kauai) over the weekend, with the core of the system near or just south of the Big Island by early Saturday. Forecasters caution that the exact track remains uncertain, and residents across the entire island chain should continue monitoring official updates.
Officials advise residents to review emergency plans, assemble at least 14 days of supplies, secure outdoor items, clear gutters and drains, keep vehicles fueled, and sign up for county emergency alert systems. The American Red Cross is monitoring the storm and preparing to respond if necessary.
As the storm approaches, the key message from officials across the state remains consistent: prepare now, stay informed, and take the threat seriously. The next 48 hours will be critical in determining exactly how Lala’s impacts will unfold across the Hawaiian Islands.