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Tropical Storm Lala Forms Near Hawaii Prompting Hurricane Watch
Just the facts
Tropical Storm Lala maintained maximum sustained winds of 40 mph while tracking westward toward the Hawaiian Islands. Weather forecasters projected that the storm could intensify close to hurricane strength as it approaches or passes south of the Big Island. The system is expected to bring rainfall totals ranging from 5 to 20 inches across affected areas, raising concerns for severe flooding and mudslides. The National Hurricane Center also warned that wind speeds along windward mountain slopes could reach up to 30 percent higher than low-elevation surface winds.
Why this is news
The National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane watch for Hawaii's Big Island as Tropical Storm Lala formed in the Pacific Ocean approximately 700 miles east-southeast of the state.
Developments timeline
- Meteorologists upgraded weather alerts to a Hurricane Warning for Hawaii as Tropical Storm Lala continued to approach the islands.
- Hawaii Governor Josh Green proclaimed a state of emergency as Tropical Storm Lala approached the Big Island with 60 mph winds, prompting hurricane warnings for Hawaii County.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.