Hurricane Lala threatens direct hit on Hawaii, United States

• Category 1 storm packs 75 mph winds.
• Big Island faces flooding and storm surge.
• Flights disrupted as shelters open statewide.

Hawaii is bracing for what could mark a rare direct hit as Category 1 Hurricane Lala continues to churn off its coast, bringing dangerous winds, torrential rain, and life-threatening surf to the island chain.

According to updates from the National Hurricane Center and the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, the weather system gained hurricane strength on Saturday with maximum sustained winds reaching 75 mph (120 km/h). Forecasters warn that the core of the storm is expected to make landfall on or pass extremely close to the southern tip of the Big Island before tracking westward.

According to historical records cited by the Associated Press, the Big Island has not experienced a direct hurricane landfall in 155 years.

"This is an enormous storm," Hawaii Governor Josh Green warned, urging residents across all islands to prepare for severe weather conditions. "Damaging winds, heavy rain, flash flooding and dangerous surf are possible across the state through the weekend," he stated on X.

Extensive rainfall and flood hazards threats

Under worst-case scenarios released by the National Weather Service, localized rainfall amounts could reach up to 25 inches (63 cm) over the volcanic slopes of Mauna Kea on the Big Island.

Meteorologists warned that such immense water totals could lead to rapid river overflows, severe mudslides, and widespread flash flooding, particularly impacting steep terrain and off-grid communities.

"Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues," the National Weather Service cautioned in a public advisory, adding that streams and tributaries "may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places."

Beyond heavy precipitation, the storm is driving a localized surge up to 3 feet alongside large coastal waves that threaten east- and south-facing shores.

Flight cancellations, shelter openings, and community preparations

The impending arrival of Hurricane Lala has triggered widespread transport cancellations across the state. At Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport—the main air hub on the Big Island's west side—40% of scheduled flights were grounded, while Hilo International Airport saw 80% of flights called off.

Local emergency management agencies have opened public shelters across Hawaii County and surrounding areas. Residents spent the morning sandbagging properties, stocking up on emergency fuel for chainsaws and generators, and securing loose outdoor items.

Forecasters expect Lala to move westward over the weekend, potentially weakening back into a tropical storm as its center moves south of the remaining Hawaiian islands.