Warnings in effect: Tropical Storm Lala strengthens ahead of Hawaii strike

Tropical Storm Lala will track near Hawaii this weekend, likely as a low-end Category 1 hurricane, with threats of flooding rain, rough surf and hurricane-force winds.

Current wind alerts

A hurricane warning is in effect for the Big Island. Winds of 75 mph are expected there by Saturday morning.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for Maui County, including the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe, and for Oahu and Kauai County. Tropical storm conditions there could arrive by late Saturday.

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Where the system is now

Tropical Storm Lala is strengthening into a strong tropical storm over 200 miles east-southeast of the Big Island of Hawaii. Lala is moving toward the west-northwest at 12 mph.

Tropical storm force gusts are already being measured on the Big Island and on the island of Maui.

Lala is organizing, but remains a lopsided storm due to wind shear and dry air. Most of its strongest winds are located on the northern side of the tropical storm, which could bring more of the storm's impacts over the islands.

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Hurricane Hunters are investigating the storm.

(MORE: What these tropical terms all mean)

Where it will go and how strong it could get

Lala is tracking toward the west-northwest, which will bring its center near the Big Island on Saturday afternoon, then near or just south of the rest of the islands into Sunday.

Lala is expected to be a low-end Category 1 hurricane as it approaches the Big Island this weekend. Some slowing of Lala's forward motion is possible as the storm's core interacts with the terrain of the Big Island. Some weakening could also occur during this time.

It will then depart west of the islands by Monday, and then could spend significant time over the central and western Pacific as either a hurricane or typhoon for over a week, far from land.

(MORE: Hawaii hurricanes aren't as unusual as they sound)

Here are the weekend impacts

Flooding rain

Regardless of how strong Lala's winds are, bands of heavy rain are likely over the island chain.

According to the NHC, 8 to 12 inches of rain is expected over Maui and the Big Island, with peak totals up to 25 inches on the Big Island through Sunday. Lower rainfall totals are likely throughout the rest of the state of Hawaii.

This could lead to life-threatening flash flooding and landslides, particularly in hilly and mountainous terrain.

Winds

Strong wind gusts capable of tree damage and power outages are possible over much of the island chain this weekend.

That's particularly the case over higher terrain. Also, the threat of downed trees is higher given the heavy rainfall loosening the soil, making it easier for winds to topple trees.

If you're in Hawaii this weekend, you should plan for power outages that could last hours or a few days and be alert of the danger of falling trees.

Winds will be highest on mountain peaks and between the passes.

Coastal flooding, storm surge

With Lala's closest pass, some coastal/storm surge flooding is expected, especially along east or south-facing shores.

Extremely rough surf is expected between the islands and around the Big Island through the weekend.

If you're in Hawaii, here's what you should do

Those in Hawaii should pay close attention to the forecast and have a hurricane plan ready to go.

Those who live in hilly or mountainous terrain susceptible to flash flooding and landslides should also be prepared, just in case evacuations are needed. You don't need a hurricane to trigger significant flash flooding, as was the case this past March.

Lala may not be the last storm to flirt with Hawaii this season. This strengthening El Niño and warmer-than-average ocean water both usually spell a more active central Pacific hurricane season.

Jonathan Erdman is a senior meteorologist at weather.com and has been covering national and international weather since 1996. Extreme and bizarre weather are his favorite topics. Reach out to him on Bluesky, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.

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