Live updates: Hurricane Lala hammers Hawaii with rain, wind as powerful eyewall brushes Big Island

12:09 AM ET Just NowBreaking News12 a.m. ET advisory: Lala’s eyewall passes near South Point as hurricane tracks northwest

The National Hurricane Center’s 12 a.m. ET (6 p.m. HT) advisory shows Hurricane Lala continuing northwest at 9 mph as its eyewall passes near South Point on Hawaii’s Big Island.

Now located about 35 miles southwest of South Point and 180 miles southeast of Honolulu, the Category 1 hurricane maintains maximum sustained winds of 80 mph and a central pressure of 985 mb.

Lala is unleashing torrential rainfall across Hawaii, with peak totals of 13 to 14 inches measured over the past 12 hours across windward portions of Maui and the Big Island.

Kona International Airport, located along the western coast of the Big Island and northwest of South Point, recently reported sustained winds of 52 mph with a gust of 71 mph as Lala tracks past the island.

11:58 PM ET 11 Min AgoLive from Rainbow Falls: Tourist destination nearly unrecognizable as Hurricane Lala pounds Hawaii

FOX Weather Storm Specialist Mike Seidel is in Hilo, Hawaii, where the normally tranquil and picturesque Rainbow Falls is nearly unrecognizable as Hurricane Lala pounds the Big Island with heavy rain and strong winds.

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The popular tourist attraction is now seeing an intense surge of water cascading over the falls.

11:32 PM ET 37 Min Ago180 National Guardsmen positioned across Hawaii as Hurricane Lala hits island chain

Hawaii officials have deployed emergency resources across the islands as Hurricane Lala impacts the state, with about 180 National Guard personnel positioned to support response operations. High-wheeled vehicle teams have also been pre-positioned in each county.

Hilo International Airport and Kona International Airport closed Saturday afternoon, with officials anticipating operations will resume Sunday. Commercial ports on Hawaii Island and in Maui County are also closed.

Gov. Josh Green urged residents who are safe at home to shelter in place, warning that emergency crews are responding to changing conditions across the state.

Officials are also monitoring flooding and landslide threats, and a Brown Water Advisory has been issued for Hawaii Island following heavy rain.

11:28 PM ET 41 Min AgoBryan Norcross Analysis: Hurricane Lala makes closest approach to Hawaii

Hurricane Lala is strengthening during its closest approach to Hawaii, with maximum sustained winds now at 80 mph as the eyewall brushes the southern Big Island.

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FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross breaks down the latest developments and the ongoing threats as Lala pounds the island chain.

Hurricane Lala has strengthened as its eyewall brushes Hawaii’s Big Island, delivering crippling rainfall and dangerous winds during its closest approach and fueling widespread flooding concerns while overwhelming power utilities across the island chain.

The National Hurricane Center’s 11 p.m. ET (5 p.m. HT) advisory shows Hurricane Lala moving northwest at 9 mph as it passes just southwest of the Big Island.

Now located about 30 miles southwest of South Point and 220 miles southeast of Honolulu, the Category 1 hurricane has strengthened slightly, with maximum sustained winds increasing by 5 mph to 80 mph and its central pressure dropping from 988 mb to 985 mb.

According to the NHC, damaging winds and heavy rainfall will continue across the Big Island through tonight before spreading westward across the smaller Hawaiian Islands on Sunday.

Lala is forecast to maintain its current intensity over the next few hours as the hurricane remains near South Point on the Big Island. Steady weakening is then expected later tonight into Sunday as Lala tracks south of Hawaii’s smaller main islands.

10:43 PM ET 1 HR AgoBreaking News
Hawaii power outages skyrocket as storm damage could force temporary shutoffs

Power outages are skyrocketing across Hawaii as Hurricane Lala continues to batter the island chain with powerful winds and heavy rain.

More than 68,000 customers were without power across Hawaii, according to PowerOutage.com, a significant jump as conditions deteriorate across the state.

The vast majority of outages are being reported on the Big Island, where more than 50,000 customers have lost power.

Honolulu County was reporting more than 16,000 outages, while more than 1,500 customers were in the dark in Maui County.

“On the Hamakua coast, wind-toppled trees knocked down multiple poles and structures along a 42-mile span of transmission lines,” Hawaiian Electric, the state’s largest electricity provider, wrote on X.

Storm damage on Hawaii Island could force Hawaiian Electric to temporarily shut off power to some customers to keep the electrical grid stable and prevent further damage.

The utility said four independent power producers have been disconnected from the island’s electrical grid because of damage from the ongoing storm, potentially requiring Hawaiian Electric to “load shed.”

Load shedding involves intentionally cutting power to some customers when electricity demand exceeds available supply, helping stabilize the grid and protect generating equipment from damage.

“Crews have been getting electricity back on as quickly as safely possible. However, restoration work often needs to pause as weather conditions intensify and make it unsafe for crew members and customers in the area,” Hawaiian Electric said in press release.

10:20 PM ET 1 HR AgoWant to watch Hurricane Lala? Don’t count on Kilauea’s webcam

As Hawaii’s most active volcano, Kilauea has delivered some spectacular scenes on a live webcam operated by the U.S. Geological Survey, including lava fountains shooting hundreds of feet into the air.

However, as Hurricane Lala barrels near the Hawaiian Islands, the view is looking a little different. Heavy rain and powerful winds have completely whited out the webcam, obscuring views of the volcano as the storm passes nearby.

The camera isn’t the only monitoring tool being affected by the hurricane.

According to the USGS, Hurricane Lala has also disrupted some of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s most sensitive ground-monitoring instruments, known as tiltmeters.

Tiltmeters help scientists detect the movement of magma beneath a volcano by measuring extremely subtle changes in the slope, or tilt, of the ground.

Heavy rainfall like that produced by Lala can interfere with those measurements, potentially producing misleading signals as saturated soil and changes in ground temperature affect the instruments’ readings.

So while watching the public webcam right now might be about as exciting as watching paint dry, scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory aren’t taking their eyes off Kilauea.

Researchers continue to closely monitor Hawaii’s volcanoes and watch for earthquakes and other signs of volcanic activity as Hurricane Lala threatens the island chain.

10:05 PM ET 2 HRS Ago
Breaking News10 p.m. ET advisory: Lala’s eyewall nears South Point, Hawaii

The National Hurricane Center’s latest position update, issued at 10 p.m. ET and 4 p.m. HT, shows Hurricane Lala moving northwest at 9 mph, a slight increase in forward speed as the storm continues interacting with the Big Island’s massive terrain.

Radar data indicate that Lala’s eyewall is nearing South Point, Hawaii, as heavy rain continues to spread across the eastern main Hawaiian Islands.

The Category 1 hurricane is now located just 35 miles south of South Point and about 200 miles southeast of Honolulu, with maximum sustained winds holding at 75 mph and a minimum central pressure of 988 mb.

Near South Point, observations are already showing hurricane-force gusts. A station at roughly 550 feet in elevation recently recorded sustained winds of 51 mph with a gust to 71 mph, while another observation site at South Point Park clocked sustained winds of 49 mph and a gust to 73 mph.

Peak rainfall totals have reached 12 to 13 inches over the past 12 hours across windward areas of Maui and the Big Island.

9:45 PM ET 2 HRS AgoPower outages climb as nearly 45,000 customers lose electricity across Hawaii

Nearly 45,000 power outages were reported across Hawaii as severe weather impacts the islands, with the Big Island accounting for the highest percentage of customers without electricity.

According to PowerOutage.com, about 44,200 outages were reported across Hawaii.

Hawaii County, which covers the Big Island, had by far the largest number of outages, with over 33,000 customers without power.

Farther west, the storm’s impacts are increasingly being felt across Maui and Oahu, where more than 9,000 customers combined are now without power as Lala moves closer.

The lion’s share of outages are being reported by Hawaiian Electric.

In a post on X, Darren Pai of Hawaiian Electric said utility crews are out in force working to restore power to customers impacted by the storm across the Hawaiian Islands.

Pai urged customers to prepare for extended outages, including some that could last overnight, as Hurricane Lala makes its way past the islands.

9:24 PM ET 2 HRS Ago9 p.m. ET advisory: Lala brings damaging winds, heavy rain to Big Island

Damaging winds and torrential rain are spreading across Hawaii’s Big Island as Hurricane Lala moves within about 35 miles of South Point, according to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center.

Radar shows strong rainbands sweeping across the Big Island, producing heavy rainfall and tropical storm-force winds. Near South Point, a weather station recently measured sustained winds of 50 mph with a gust to 69 mph, while another site at South Point Park recorded a 63 mph gust.

As of 9 p.m. ET, Lala remained a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, moving northwest at 8 mph.

9:18 PM ET 2 HRS AgoHurricane Lala fuels raging waterfall on Hawaii’s Big Island

Typically, Rainbow Falls in Hilo, Hawaii, is a tranquil, picturesque destination that draws visitors from around the world.

Located along the eastern side of the Big Island, Hilo has been bearing some of Hurricane Lala’s strongest impacts, as evidenced by the dramatic conditions unfolding at Rainbow Falls.

As torrential rain drenches the region, the normally scenic Rainbow Falls is cascading at intense rates.

Video shared with FOX Weather shows muddy, brown runoff surging over the falls and cascading into the river below with tremendous force, leaving the popular landmark nearly unrecognizable.

From a comfortable distance, one person filmed Rainbow Falls, that didn’t look so colorful, as conditions will likely intensify as more rain falls over the Big Island.

9:00 PM ET 3 HRS AgoDouble whammy? Earthquakes reported as Hurricane Lala inches towards Hawaii

Can earthquakes happen during a hurricane? Well, just take a look at Hawaii.

On Saturday, as Hurricane Lala churned across the Pacific toward the Hawaiian Island Chain, another natural hazard was stirring beneath the islands.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, at least five earthquakes were reported in the region over a 12-hour period, with the strongest registering a magnitude 3.7.

While the earthquakes were relatively small and posed little threat compared with the powerful hurricane passing near the islands, the timing offers a rare example of two of nature’s most powerful forces occurring in the same place at the same time.

8:44 PM ET 3 HRS AgoHurricane Lala battering Hawaii despite unlikely direct landfall

While a direct landfall now appears unlikely, FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross says that changes little: Hawaii is getting battered by Hurricane Lala, and the dangerous impacts will continue.

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Norcross breaks down the National Hurricane Center’s latest outlook as Lala inches dangerously close to the Big Island.

8:31 PM ET 3 HRS AgoMore than 16 inches of rain soak parts of the Big Island

Torrential rain from Hurricane Lala is piling up across Hawaii’s Big Island, with some locations recording more than a foot of rain in the past 24 hours.

Nahuku has measured 16.18 inches, while Glenwood has picked up 11.94 inches and Piihonua has recorded 10.09 inches, respectively. Puu Kapukapu has received 7.78 inches, while Pahoa has measured 6.10 inches.

The extreme totals come as Lala continues to funnel tropical moisture into the Big Island, raising the threat of life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in steep terrain.

8:28 PM ET 3 HRS Ago80 mph gust recorded on Molokai, far from Lala’s center

An 80 mph wind gust has been recorded on an island in Hawaii, roughly 200 miles from the center of Hurricane Lala.

The extreme gust is the result of strong downslope winds rushing off the Kamakou Volcano in Molokai, which rises 4,961 feet above sea level. The observation highlights how Hawaii’s mountainous terrain can amplify winds even far from the hurricane’s core.

8:04 PM ET 4 HRS AgoBreaking News8 p.m ET advisory: Hurricane Lala continues northwest as Big Island terrain disrupts storm

The National Hurricane Center’s 2 p.m. HT (8 p.m. ET) update shows Hurricane Lala continuing northwest at 8 mph as it interacts with the Big Island’s massive volcanic terrain.

Now located just 50 miles south of South Point and about 250 miles southeast of Honolulu, the Category 1 hurricane maintains maximum sustained winds of 75 mph and a central pressure of 988 mb.

Damaging winds are expected to persist across portions of the Big Island into Saturday night before spreading westward across the smaller Hawaiian Islands through Sunday.

7:58 PM ET 4 HRS AgoBreaking NewsNational Hurricane Center releases full 8 p.m. ET bulletin on Hurricane Lala

The National Hurricane Center has just published its comprehensive 8 p.m. ET (2 p.m. HT) advisory for Hurricane Lala.

The FOX Forecast Center is currently combing through the newly updated forecast track and revised intensity guidance as the Category 1 hurricane maintains its path near the Big Island.

We are breaking down the latest satellite images, radar trends, and surface wind observations to see how terrain interaction is shaping Lala’s forward speed and track heading into the evening.

Stay tuned as we publish a detailed breakdown of the complete advisory package shortly.

7:51 PM ET 4 HRS AgoBreaking NewsNearly 40,000 without power across Hawaii as Hurricane Lala takes a toll

Hurricane Lala’s impacts are taking a toll on Hawaii’s power grid, with nearly 40,000 customers without electricity across the state as damaging winds and heavy rain batter the islands.

According to PowerOutage.com, 37,985 customers were without power as of Saturday evening, with the overwhelming majority of outages reported on the Big Island.

Hawaii County reported 28,941 customers without power, while Maui County had 7,046 outages.

The impacts have been less significant elsewhere across the island chain, though outages in Honolulu County on Oahu and Kauai County show Lala’s effects are still being felt beyond the hardest-hit areas.

The outages come as Lala brings dangerous winds and torrential rainfall to parts of Hawaii, with hurricane-force winds and heavy rains continue to lash the island chain.

7:19 PM ET 4 HRS AgoPowerful 140-mph wind gust recorded atop Hawaii’s tallest summit

A preliminary local storm report from the National Weather Service indicates a powerful 140 mph wind gust was recorded atop Mauna Kea on Hawaii’s Big Island.

The extreme gust was measured at 12:15 p.m. HST at an elevation of 13,803 feet on Hawaii’s tallest summit.

The high-flying Hawaiian mountains play a pivotal role in how the storm impacts the island chain, forcing tropical moisture up the steep terrain, which can dramatically enhance rainfall and increase the threat of flash flooding and landslides.

At the same time, Hawaii’s rugged volcanic peaks can disrupt a hurricane’s circulation, altering its winds, forward speed and even its track as it passes near or over the islands.

7:16 PM ET 4 HRS AgoLive Report: Hurricane Lala lashes Hawaii’s eastern coast with heavy rain, high winds

On the eastern coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, just north of Hilo, FOX Weather Storm Specialist Mike Seidel has a front-row seat to Hurricane Lala’s impacts.

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As the hurricane moves near Hawaii, torrential rain, dangerous winds and life-threatening storm surge remain in the forecast. FOX Weather will continue tracking Lala’s every move as the storm unleashes its impacts across the island chain.

7:10 PM ET 5 HRS Ago7 p.m. ET update: Hurricane Lala brings heavy rain, strong winds to the Big Island

Heavy rainbands from Hurricane Lala are spreading across the Big Island this evening, bringing heavy rainfall and tropical storm-force winds.

As of the 1 p.m. HST position update, Lala was located about 50 miles south-southeast of South Point, moving northwest at 8 mph. Maximum sustained winds remain near 75 mph.

Strong winds are already being observed across southern portions of the island. Near South Point, sustained winds of 42 mph with a gust to 63 mph were reported, while a site south of Volcano recorded a gust to 48 mph.

Conditions will continue to deteriorate as Lala approaches. Residents should remain indoors, avoid unnecessary travel — especially in areas experiencing heavy rain — and continue following guidance from local emergency officials.

7:00 PM ET 5 HRS AgoAnalysis: How Hawaii’s mountains are slowing Hurricane Lala

FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross analyzes Hurricane Lala as it approaches Hawaii at a sluggish pace of just 8 mph, with the storm’s forward motion being influenced by the islands’ towering mountainous terrain.

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Norcross breaks down Lala’s current structure and movement, what could happen as the hurricane interacts with Hawaii’s rugged terrain and what residents can expect next as the storm creeps toward the Pacific island chain.

6:33 PM ET 5 HRS Ago6 p.m. ET update: Lala continues to bring heavy rainfall and gusty winds to the Big Island

Hurricane Lala is continuing to bring heavy rainfall and gust winds to the Big Island of Hawaii as the storm approaches, the National Hurricane Center’s 6 p.m. ET (12 p.m. HT) statement update said.

Hurricane Lala is continuing it’s northwest trek at 8 mph and is located just 60 miles south-southeast of South Point.

Lala remains a Category 1 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph and a central pressure of 988 mb.

According to the NHC, a weather observation site near South Point, at an elevation of about 550 feet, recently recorded sustained winds of 41 mph and a gust of 59 mph as conditions deteriorate across the southern Big Island.

Farther east, an observation site at Kealakomo, south of Volcano and at an elevation of about 100 feet, recently reported a wind gust of 51 mph.

6:12 PM ET 5 HRS AgoOfficials urge residents to shelter in place as flooding, outages worsen

Hawaii County officials are urging residents to shelter in place and stay off the roads as Hurricane Lala brings dangerous flooding and widespread power outages to the Big Island.

In a recent update, the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency said a Flash Flood Warning is in effect for the windward side of the Big Island, from North Kohala to the Kaʻu District, with rainfall rates of 1 to 2.5 inches per hour being reported.

Officials warned that flooding is life-threatening and urged people in flood-prone areas to remain alert and move to higher ground if necessary.

Multiple roads have also been closed because of landslides, downed trees and utility lines, while widespread power outages are being reported across the island.

“Continue to shelter-in-place and stay off the roads until the hurricane passes,” the agency said.

5:39 PM ET 6 HRS AgoAnalysis: Lala impacts slamming Hawaii as the storm brushes closer

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FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross gives the latest exclusive analysis on Hurricane Lala as it races toward Hawaii.

The Category 1 storm is already bringing heavy rains and near hurricane-force winds to the Big Island.

5:27 PM ET 6 HRS AgoBreaking NewsPower outages start to climb as Hurricane Lala lashes Hawaii

Power outages are mounting across Hawaii as Hurricane Lala brings increasingly strong winds and heavy rain to the islands.

Nearly 24,000 customers statewide are without electricity, according to PowerOutage.us, with the Big Island bearing the brunt of the outages.

The numbers have risen sharply as conditions deteriorate. Earlier Saturday, Hawaiian Electric reported roughly 4,000 customers without power on Hawaii Island.

Officials are warning residents to be prepared for extended outages as crews may have to wait for conditions to become safe before assessing damage and making repairs.

5:19 PM ET 6 HRS Ago
Strong wind gusts batter the Big Island as Hurricane Lala approaches

Powerful winds are picking up across the Big Island as Hurricane Lala closes in, with the strongest gust so far reaching 78 mph in Holualoa.

The National Hurricane Center says tropical-storm conditions — including gusts reaching hurricane force — are already occurring on the Big Island, particularly in higher terrain. Forecasters warn winds could continue to strengthen as Lala interacts with the island this afternoon and evening.

Lala strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane Saturday, with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph and higher gusts.

4:47 PM ET 7 HRS AgoBreaking NewsBig Island terrain creates erratic track for newly formed Hurricane Lala

Radar and satellite observations show Hurricane Lala’s structure improving this afternoon, featuring a ragged eye and 70-knot high-altitude wind patches detected near South Point.

However, as the Category 1 system closes in, the Big Island’s massive volcanic terrain is actively reshaping the storm’s path, forcing Lala to slow down and turn northwest (305 degrees at 7 knots).

Computer forecast models indicate the hurricane’s center is getting pulled toward the Big Island while a broad low or lee-side trough develops to the west. This dynamic creates a potentially erratic or “discontinuous” track that will not be reflected neatly in official cone forecast graphics, making a traditional landfall uncertain.

While terrain interaction is expected to significantly weaken Lala as it passes south of the remaining Hawaiian Islands, forecasters note the cyclone could regain strength after 48 hours as it tracks westward toward the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands later next week.

4:44 PM ET 7 HRS AgoBreaking News5 p.m. ET advisory: Lala turns northwest and slows down as terrain interaction begins

The National Hurricane Center’s 5 p.m. ET (11 a.m. HT) advisory reveals that Hurricane Lala has slowed its forward progress to 8 mph while turning northwest, directly responding to interaction with the Big Island’s massive volcanic terrain.

Now located just 65 miles south-southeast of South Point, the Category 1 system maintains maximum sustained winds of 75 mph and a central pressure of 988 mb.

This friction-induced deceleration and track shift mean severe tropical weather will linger longer over Hawaii County.

As Lala’s eyewall edges closer, winds are expected to build significantly across the Big Island through the afternoon, driving dangerous gusts down mountain slopes and pushing torrential, flood-producing rainbands continuously across the island.

4:43 PM ET 7 HRS AgoBreaking NewsNational Hurricane Center releases full 5 p.m. ET bulletin on Hurricane Lala

The National Hurricane Center has just published its comprehensive 5 p.m. ET (11 a.m. HT) advisory for Hurricane Lala.

The FOX Forecast Center is currently combing through the newly updated forecast track and revised intensity guidance as the Category 1 hurricane maintains its path near the Big Island.

We are breaking down the latest satellite images, radar trends, and surface wind observations to see how terrain interaction is shaping Lala’s forward speed and track heading into the evening.

Stay tuned as we publish a detailed breakdown of the complete advisory package shortly.

4:42 PM ET 7 HRS AgoAnalysis: How Hawaii’s massive volcanic peaks are redirecting and steering Lala

FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross highlights a crucial atmospheric dynamic unfolding south of the state: Hawaii’s massive terrain is actively altering Hurricane Lala’s track and structure in real time.

The towering 13,000-foot landmasses of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea act as giant physical barriers to lower-level atmospheric airflow, creating a localized high-pressure cushion or “island blocking” effect.

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4:32 PM ET 7 HRS AgoBreaking News
Flash Flood Warning issued for Hawaii County until 1 p.m. HT

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Flash Flood Warning for Hawaii County, in effect until 1:00 p.m. HT.

Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicate that Hurricane Lala’s feeder bands are dropping relentless, heavy rain across the Big Island, causing rapid runoff and immediate water accumulation in low-lying areas.

Emergency officials warn that rivers, streams, and gulches across the island are rapidly overflowing, making travel treacherous.

Residents in flood-prone locations should move to higher ground immediately and avoid crossing flooded roadways, as rapid-moving water and potential mudslides pose a life-threatening danger throughout the warning period.

4:21 PM ET 7 HRS AgoDeveloping StoryAwaiting NHC’s 5 p.m. advisory as Hurricane Lala skirts the Big Island

Meteorologists at the Central Pacific Hurricane Center and National Hurricane Center are preparing to issue the comprehensive 5 p.m. ET (11 a.m. HST) advisory on Hurricane Lala.

Following a flurry of intermediate position updates that tracked the storm reaching Category 1 status with 75 mph winds and a forming eye, this full package will deliver updated forecast track models, revised intensity trends, and official wind-field radii adjustments.

The upcoming advisory will provide critical guidance on whether Lala’s recent northward wobbles are setting up a sustained shift toward land or if the core will maintain its westward passage just south of South Point.

Stay tuned as we break down the full 5 p.m. update as soon as it drops.

4:14 PM ET 7 HRS AgoHonolulu merchants stack sandbags to guard storefronts against Lala

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FOX Weather Correspondent Katie Byrne says storefronts and commercial venues across Honolulu are lining doorways and ground-floor entryways with sandbags as Hurricane Lala’s expansive cloud canopy sweeps toward Oʻahu.

With torrential rainbands capable of dumping extreme rain totals and overwhelming urban drainage networks, local merchants are moving quickly to safeguard inventory and prevent water intrusion.

Honolulu officials have urged property and business owners in low-lying corridors and near urban streams to finalize all flood barriers and site preparations immediately. 

4:04 PM ET 8 HRS AgoDowned tree blocks lane on Hana Highway on Maui

A fallen tree has blocked one lane along the Hana Highway (Route 360) near Mile Marker 19 on Maui.

Road crews are currently on scene working to clear the debris and restore full access to the narrow, winding corridor.

Drivers traveling along the East Maui route should exercise extreme caution, anticipate slowdowns, and give emergency response crews plenty of space to operate.

3:57 PM ET 8 HRS Ago4 p.m. update: Hurricane Lala packs 75 mph winds just 75 miles from South Point

The National Hurricane Center’s 4 p.m. ET (10 a.m. HST) update shows Hurricane Lala continuing its close approach, now positioned just 75 miles south-southeast of South Point, Hawaii.

Surface observation stations are actively reflecting the storm’s escalating wind field, with a site near South Point (elevation 550 feet) recently reporting a sustained wind of 41 mph and a peak gust reaching 64 mph.

Maintaining maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, a central pressure of 988 mb, and a west-northwest forward motion at 9 mph, Lala’s core continues to drive powerful winds and torrents of rain onto the Big Island.

3:41 PM ET 8 HRS AgoNHC: Conditions to worsen in Hawaii as near-landfall forecast

Hurricane Lala continues to race toward the Hawaiian Islands, with conditions deteriorating as the day progresses.

National Hurricane Center Director Michael Brennan joined FOX Weather to talk about the impacts in the coming hours with Lala’s near-landfall on the Big Island.

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3:33 PM ET 8 HRS AgoHeavy rain bands hammer Hilo as Hurricane Lala approaches

The eastern coast of the Big Island is taking a direct hit from Hurricane Lala’s primary feeder bands, with Hilo currently getting hammered by torrential downpours and intense squalls.

Heavy rain is coming down in blinding sheets along the windward shore, rapidly reducing visibility and driving dangerous water runoff across coastal roads.

As Lala’s core passes just south, wind gusts are driving these rain squalls ashore with continuous force, pushing local drainage systems to their limit.

3:30 PM ET 8 HRS AgoDeveloping StoryRadar tracks northward wobble as Lala’s eye closes in on Hawaii

Recent high-resolution Doppler radar imagery analyzed by the FOX Forecast Center shows Hurricane Lala undergoing a short-term wobble, with a distinct northward shift detected in its low-level center.

Tropical systems frequently wobble as their eyewalls reorganize, but even minor track shifts carry major consequences when passing this close to the Hawaiian Islands.

A slight jog to the north pushes Lala’s most dangerous eyewall winds and intense rainbands even closer to the Big Island’s southern coastlines.

Meteorologists are tracking radar loops closely to determine if this northward motion is a temporary fluctuation or a sustained change in direction that could bring the core into closer proximity to land.

Residents islandwide should prepare for conditions to rapidly worsen if the storm continues to jog closer to shore.

3:23 PM ET 8 HRS Ago50 mph winds whip Maui as Hurricane Lala spins closer

While Hurricane Lala’s eye approaches the Big Island, powerful tropical-storm-force winds are expanding northward across Maui County.

Powerful squalls are bringing sustained winds over 30 mph, with wind gusts topping 50 mph whipping across lowlands and funneling through mountain passes.

3:17 PM ET 8 HRS AgoAnalysis: Mountain friction slows Hurricane Lala, threatening longer-lasting deluges

As Hurricane Lala interacts with the massive volcanic peaks of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, forward movement has begun to slow down more than originally forecast.

While high terrain disrupts a storm’s inner circulation, the friction can also cause the system to drag its feet—anchoring heavy moisture bands over the same areas for a prolonged period.

A slower-moving storm significantly increases total rain accumulation. Instead of rainbands passing through quickly, torrential downpours are now set to train over the Big Island’s steep topography for several extra hours, dramatically escalating the risk of catastrophic flash flooding, destructive debris flows, and mudslides.

The FOX Forecast Center team is actively tracking its forward-speed as this dangerous terrain interaction unfolds.

3:14 PM ET 8 HRS AgoDowned trees force closure of Route 250 in Hawaii County

Hawaiʻi Police Department has issued a full closure of Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250) between Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy (HPA) and the Akoni Pule Highway (Route 270) junction in Hāwī due to severe storm hazards.

Hurricane-force wind gusts and saturated soil from Hurricane Lala have brought down large tree limbs, branches, and trees across the roadway, creating hazardous driving conditions.

Authorities urge drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes like Akoni Pule Highway until crews can clear the debris and render the corridor safe.

3:09 PM ET 9 HRS AgoSchools, libraries, campuses shutter across Hawaii

Statewide operations are grinding to a halt across Hawaii as agencies shutter public facilities to prepare for Hurricane Lala’s impacts.

The Department of Education has canceled all weekend extracurricular activities and athletics, closing public school campuses across Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi, Oʻahu, and Kauaʻi through Sunday.

Executive Office on Early Learning Pre-K classrooms and public charter schools are mirroring those closures, while decisions regarding Monday classes will be made after post-storm assessments.

Additionally, the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System has closed major branches across Hawaiʻi Island—including Hilo, Kailua-Kona, and Thelma Parker Memorial—along with canceling all weekend public programs.Higher education and cultural sites are also locking down across the region.

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University of Hawaiʻi campuses at Hilo and Hawaiʻi Community College have temporarily closed all offices, off-campus locations, and facilities like the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center, with Maunakea Visitors Center restricting access strictly to essential personnel.

UH Hilo residence halls remain open with staff on site for students moving in early, while athletic events like UH Mānoa soccer games have been rescheduled.

Public officials continue to urge everyone to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel until all facilities can be safely reopened.

3:08 PM ET 9 HRS AgoAnalysis: Lala may skip landfall, but catastrophic impacts remain guaranteed

As Hurricane Lala moves west just south of Hawaii, FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross says he expects the center to remain offshore rather than making an official landfall.

However, Norcross emphasizes that whether the eye technically crosses coastline geography is purely a meteorological distinction—not a change in on-the-ground reality.

Because Lala’s active eyewall and vast moisture canopy span hundreds of miles, the storm’s worst hazards are slamming directly into the islands regardless.

Torrential tropical downpours are pushing up Hawaii’s steep volcanic slopes to generate catastrophic flash flooding and landslides, while hurricane-force gusts continue to knock out power and whip coastal areas.

Norcross stresses that residents must focus on the widespread, severe impacts stretching across the entire state rather than tracking the exact location of the storm’s center.

3:00 PM ET 9 HRS AgoHurricane Lala: NHC upgrades storm to Category 1 hurricane

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The 3 p.m. ET (9 a.m. HST) bulletin from the National Hurricane Center confirms that Tropical Storm Lala has officially crossed the threshold to become a Category 1 hurricane.

Maximum sustained winds have reached 75 mph as the eye feature observed on satellite consolidates just south of the Big Island.

Moving west along its tracking corridor, Hurricane Lala’s transition to a Category 1 system reinforces the extreme danger facing Hawaii.

Hurricane-force wind gusts are now spreading across southern portions of the Big Island and high-elevation passes, while intense, station-anchored rainbands continue to dump catastrophic precipitation totals over mountain slopes.

Residents islandwide must remain sheltered in place as hurricane conditions persist throughout the day.

2:49 PM ET 9 HRS AgoSatellite imagery reveals eye feature forming in Lala’s core

Fresh visible satellite imagery reveals that Tropical Storm Lala is taking another significant step in its structural organization, with an eye feature beginning to clear out just south of the Big Island.

Deep thunderstorm activity is wrapping tightly around the circulation center, signaling that the system is consolidating rapidly over warm waters.

2:47 PM ET 9 HRS AgoUp to 30 inches of rain: Topography amplifies Lala’s flood threat

As Tropical Storm Lala’s deep convective canopy envelops the Hawaiian Islands, FOX Weather meteorologists warn that catastrophic rain totals could reach up to 30 inches in isolated, windward mountain locations.

While coastal areas can expect general totals of 8 to 12 inches, Hawaii’s dramatic elevation changes act as a massive atmospheric force multiplier—squeezing incredible amounts of tropical moisture directly out of the passing storm.

When Lala’s moisture-laden wind field slams into the towering 13,000-plus-foot slopes of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, the air is rapidly forced upward, cooling and condensing into intense, stationary rainbands.

This extreme topographic lifting will produce dangerous runoff, sending torrents of water surging down gulches, overflowing rivers, and creating widespread, life-threatening flash floods and mudslides across the Big Island and neighboring Maui County through the weekend.

2:21 PM ET 9 HRS AgoPower outages top 10,000 on Big Island as Lala’s winds intensify

Power outages on the Big Island are escalating rapidly as Tropical Storm Lala’s core passes just offshore, with tracking data from PowerOutage.com indicating more than 10,000 customers are now without electricity across Hawaii County.

Tropical-storm-force wind gusts interacting with waterlogged soil are causing trees, large limbs, and utility poles to collapse across power corridors.

Hawaiian Electric has response teams standing by, but utility officials stress that crew deployment will be restricted in areas where sustained high winds, active flooding, or dangerous mountain squalls make field repairs unsafe.

2:18 PM ET 9 HRS AgoAnalysis: Lala’s center tightening as storm spins 90 miles from South Point

In his breakdown of the National Hurricane Center’s 2 p.m. ET (8 a.m. HST) advisory, FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross emphasizes that Tropical Storm Lala has strengthened to 70 mph, sitting just 4 mph below hurricane status.

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2:10 PM ET 9 HRS AgoBig Island lashed by dangerous wind gusts and torrential rain as Lala hits

Tropical Storm Lala is delivering its full power to Hawaii County, pounding the Big Island with torrential rain downpours and dangerous tropical-storm-force wind gusts.

With the storm’s organized core passing just offshore, the outer bands are sweeping across the island, driving rain rates capable of causing rapid stream rises and severe flash flooding.

Terrain is severely amplifying the storm’s impact. As Lala’s broad wind field hits Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, winds are accelerating down leeward slopes and through mountain passes, while moisture is being forced upward into localized deluges.

Emergency officials urge residents islandwide to stay off the roads and remain indoors as squalls and blinding rain conditions continue throughout the day.

2:07 PM ET 10 HRS AgoAnalysis: Skipping landfall could allow Lala to strengthen further

As Tropical Storm Lala maintains a steady westward track just south of South Point, FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross cautions that avoiding direct landfall actually makes the storm more dangerous.

By remaining over open ocean waters, Lala avoids the disruptive friction of Hawaii’s massive volcanic landmass, allowing its organized core to remain fully fueled and potentially strengthen into a hurricane while continuously slinging torrential rainbands, high surf, and tropical-storm-force winds across the islands throughout the weekend.

2:03 PM ET 10 HRS AgoAnalysis: Why a 70 mph label doesn’t capture Tropical Storm Lala’s true threat

With maximum sustained winds now reaching 70 mph, Tropical Storm Lala is knocking right on the door of Category 1 hurricane status.

On the official Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, a tropical cyclone only earns the “hurricane” label once its 1-minute maximum sustained wind speed reaches 74 mph.

While crossing that arbitrary 4-mph line carries major psychological significance for public awareness, meteorologists warn against over-focusing on the number itself.

The Saffir-Simpson Scale is strictly a 1-to-5 measurement of maximum sustained wind speed—and wind represents only a fraction of a tropical cyclone’s destruction potential. The scale completely ignores water-based hazards, which historically account for the vast majority of storm-related fatalities and damage:

Torrential elevation rain: Lala’s waterlogged canopy is driving up to 25 inches of rain into the steep terrain of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, triggering catastrophic runoff regardless of whether sustained winds sit at 70 mph or 75 mph.Storm surge and deadly seas: Build-up of coastal water and life-threatening high surf along south- and east-facing shores operate independently of a storm’s exact category rank.Broad wind field: Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward over 200 miles from Lala’s center, meaning power outages and tree damage will be widespread across islands far removed from the eye.

Whether Lala officially reaches the 74-mph benchmark before passing South Point or remains a top-tier tropical storm, the real-world hazards on the ground will be identical. Focus on the water threats—flash flooding, mudslides, and coastal inundation—rather than the category number.

1:57 PM ET 10 HRS Ago2 p.m. ET advisory: Lala nears hurricane strength with 70 mph winds

The National Hurricane Center’s 2 p.m. ET (8 a.m. HST) advisory confirms that Tropical Storm Lala has strengthened, with maximum sustained winds jumping to 70 mph and minimum central pressure dropping to 990 mb.

Positioned just 90 miles south-southeast of South Point, the storm is now sitting just 4 mph shy of Category 1 hurricane threshold as its central core reorganizes.

Moving due west at 12 mph, Lala’s intense inner rainbands are slamming directly into the Big Island.

With tropical-storm-force winds expanding outward up to 205 miles and terrain forcing pushing moisture up mountain slopes, forecasters warn that life-threatening flash flooding, mudslides, and damaging wind gusts will severely impact all Hawaiian islands throughout the weekend.

1:55 PM ET 10 HRS Ago2 p.m. ET advisory: NHC issues latest update on Tropical Storm Lala

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has just released its official 2 p.m. ET (8 a.m. HST) advisory on Tropical Storm Lala, and the FOX Forecast Center is actively analyzing the latest stats.

We are examining the new coordinates to see if Lala’s center continues to nudge slightly south of South Point, as well as evaluating central pressure and wind data to check for signs of strengthening toward hurricane threshold.

Stand by—we will deliver a complete breakdown of the fresh numbers, updated forecast cone, and expanding local hazards shortly.

1:46 PM ET 10 HRS AgoPower outages surge: thousands in the dark across Hawaii County

Power outages are rising rapidly across Hawaii County as Tropical Storm Lala’s expanding tropical-storm-force wind field lashes the Big Island.

According to tracking data from PowerOutage.com, more than 5% of electricity customers on the Big Island are without power, with numbers continuing to climb as squalls sweep through local neighborhoods.

1:39 PM ET 10 HRS AgoAnalysis: Bryan Norcross breaks down Lala’s strengthening impacts on Hawaii

In this video analysis, FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross breaks down the escalating threats as Tropical Storm Lala closes in on the Hawaiian Islands.

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1:31 PM ET 10 HRS AgoSecond rainbow spotted in Kapolei as Lala’s outer bands charge west

Following earlier views over Waikiki, another vivid rainbow was just captured on live camera feeds farther west in Kapolei on West Oahu.

Sunlight filtering through localized, passing showers continues to create brief, striking visuals across the island ahead of Tropical Storm Lala’s main cloud deck.

1:29 PM ET 10 HRS AgoRainbow appears over Waikiki as Lala’s outer rain bands approach Oahu

Even with Tropical Storm Lala closing in on the Hawaiian Islands, nature offered a brief moment of beauty over Oahu.

Live video from the EarthCam at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu captured a vivid rainbow stretching over Waikiki Beach as the storm’s outer moisture bands began to spread across the area.

1:23 PM ET 10 HRS AgoAwaiting 2 p.m. ET advisory: NHC to update Lala’s strength

All eyes are on the National Hurricane Center as forecasters prepare to release the intermediate 2 p.m. ET (8 a.m. HST) advisory on Tropical Storm Lala.

Following hours of hourly position reports, this bulletin will deliver an updated intensity and fresh location positioning as the core makes its closest approach to South Point.

1:19 PM ET 10 HRS Ago
State of emergency issued for Hawaii as Lala’s core moves in

On Thursday, Hawaii Governor Josh Green issued a state emergency proclamation as Tropical Storm Lala threatened the islands.

The proclamation activates the Hawaii National Guard and frees up state emergency resources, authorizing immediate disaster response funding to protect public health and streamline infrastructure repair.

By declaring an islandwide emergency, state officials can swiftly coordinate with county and federal agencies to address debris removal, road closures, and localized flooding.

Governor Green urges all residents—especially those on the Big Island—to stay indoors, avoid non-essential travel, and closely monitor official emergency alerts as storm conditions persist throughout the weekend.

1:12 PM ET 10 HRS AgoDownpours blind Hilo as conditions rapidly deteriorate

Conditions across Hawaii County are taking a sharp turn for the worse as Tropical Storm Lala’s inner rainbands sweep ashore.

Live camera feeds from Hilo show visibility plunging to near zero as heavy downpours slam the windward coast, turning local roads into whiteout conditions within minutes.

Driving rain is now coming down in sheets, powered by tropical-storm-force gusts that are whipping trees and pushing water across coastal roadways.

1:06 PM ET 11 HRS AgoAnalysis: Lala’s center organizing, wind speeds expected to ramp up

FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross says that recent high-resolution radar and satellite imagery reveal Tropical Storm Lala’s inner core is becoming noticeably better organized.

Heavy convection is wrapping tighter around the low-level circulation center—a classic signature that the storm is undergoing a structural consolidation phase.

Norcross points out that when a tropical system organizes like this, surface wind speeds typically react on a slight delay. As the inner core tightens and the central pressure continues to adjust, Norcross expects to see an increase in sustained wind speeds within the next hour or two.

1:02 PM ET 11 HRS Ago1 p.m. ET update: Heavy rain, tropical-storm winds spread over Hawaii as Lala nears

The National Hurricane Center’s 1 p.m. ET (7 a.m. HST) position update places Tropical Storm Lala roughly 95 miles southeast of South Point, Hawaii, and 295 miles southeast of Honolulu.

Maintaining maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and a central pressure of 991 mb, Lala continues moving west-northwest at 13 mph while driving heavy rainbands and tropical-storm-force wind gusts across the Big Island.

Tropical-storm-force gusts are actively impacting elevated terrain, with surface winds rapidly ramping up across lower elevations as well—including a recent 38 mph gust reported in Hilo.

FOX Weather meteorologists warn that downpours and squalls will intensify across Hawaii County throughout the afternoon as the storm’s core makes its closest approach.

12:53 PM ET 11 HRS AgoCrews clearing fallen trees as Lala’s winds ramp up

As Tropical Storm Lala’s wind field accelerates across Hawaii, maintenance crews with the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) are actively responding to reports of fallen trees and scattered roadway debris on the Big Island.

Increasing winds pushing over saturated soil are uprooting trees and bringing down branches across key corridors, creating hazardous driving conditions.

12:50 PM ET 11 HRS AgoLala’s core lashes Big Island with extreme rain and strong winds

The dense core of Tropical Storm Lala is now inundating the Big Island, driving blinding squalls, dangerous storm surge, and torrential downpours across southern and windward coasts.

With the storm’s core passing close to South Point, moisture is being squeezed up the slopes of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, triggering localized rain rates capable of dumping up to 25 inches in isolated mountain spots.

Emergency officials warn that streams and rivers are rapidly overflowing, creating critical risks for life-threatening flash floods and landslides across Hawaii County throughout the day.

12:47 PM ET 11 HRS AgoHow Lala got its name: The unique rules of Hawaiian storm naming

Many observing Tropical Storm Lala have wondered how the season’s very first tropical system in the Central Pacific basin ended up with an “L” name rather than starting at the beginning of the alphabet.

Unlike the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific basins—which reset alphabetically each year starting with “A”—the Central Pacific Hurricane Center uses a completely unique, continuous naming system:

Four rotating Hawaiian lists: The Central Pacific uses four pre-designated lists of traditional Hawaiian names.No annual reset:
Names are used sequentially down the list. When a new tropical storm forms in or enters the Central Pacific basin (between 140°W and 180°W), forecasters simply take the next available name on the list regardless of the calendar year or letter of the alphabetThe journey to ‘Lala’: Following Tropical Storm Keli, Lala (pronounced LAH-lah, a Hawaiian name meaning “sunny” or “sunshine”) was up next on List 1.

12:42 PM ET 11 HRS AgoOver 12″ of rain recorded on Big Island as Lala’s downpours surge

Torrential downpours from Tropical Storm Lala continue to unleash extreme rain totals across Hawaii, with the observation site at Kawainui Stream logging a staggering 12.55 inches of rain since Friday morning.

As Lala’s deep tropical moisture slams directly into the Big Island’s steep windward topography, localized rain rates are causing rapid run-off into streams and rivers.

12:40 PM ET 11 HRS AgoWatch live: Track Tropical Storm Lala with FOX Weather’s 24/7 stream

You can follow every moment of Tropical Storm Lala’s approach with FOX Weather’s exclusive live stream on YouTube.

The 24/7 digital stream features high-resolution Doppler radar, real-time storm tracking, live camera feeds from coastal locations across Hawaii, and continuous updates from our field reporters and expert meteorologists.

12:38 PM ET 11 HRS AgoAnalysis: Rain and gusty winds spreading as Lala approaches

FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross provides exclusive analysis immediately following the National Hurricane Center’s 12 p.m. ET (6 a.m. HST) intermediate position update.

Norcross noted that with Tropical Storm Lala’s center positioned just 100 miles southeast of South Point, the system’s outer circulation is actively driving tropical-storm-force wind gusts and heavy squalls onto the Big Island and Maui.

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12:10 PM ET 11 HRS AgoSunrise reveals deteriorating conditions as Lala hits Big Island

As first daylight breaks over Hawaii, live cameras on the ground are providing the first clear look at deteriorating conditions across the Big Island.

Overlapping outer rainbands from Tropical Storm Lala have completely enveloped the eastern and southern shorelines, bringing blinding downpours, whipping palm trees, and surging coastal ocean swells.

12:07 PM ET 12 HRS AgoGround truth: Katie Byrne brings real-time storm preps from Honolulu

FOX Weather Correspondent Katie Byrne is reporting live from Honolulu on Oahu, delivering continuous on-the-ground updates as residents and officials complete final preparations ahead of Tropical Storm Lala.

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12:04 PM ET 12 HRS Ago
12 p.m. ET update: Lala spreading heavy rain, strong winds across Big Island

The National Hurricane Center’s 12 p.m. ET (6 a.m. HST) position update places Tropical Storm Lala roughly 100 miles southeast of South Point, Hawaii, and 315 miles southeast of Honolulu.

Holding maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and a central pressure of 991 mb, the storm continues moving west-northwest at 13 mph as heavy rainbands sweep over the islands.

Tropical-storm-force wind gusts are already lashing higher elevations across the Big Island and Maui, with recent reports including a 45 mph gust at Puuloa and a 44 mph gust in Kamuela.

Officials warn that winds will continue to accelerate as Lala’s core makes its closest approach to the Big Island later today.

11:33 AM ET 12 HRS AgoAnalysis: Bryan Norcross breaks down Lala’s latest movement

Analyzing the 11 a.m. advisory, FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross points out that regardless of Lala’s exact position, catastrophic impacts are to be felt across Hawaii.

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11:29 AM ET 12 HRS AgoLala drives dangerous storm surge and high surf across Hawaiian Islands

The National Hurricane Center warns that Tropical Storm Lala’s powerful onshore winds will push a dangerous storm surge onto coastal areas across the Hawaiian Islands.

Water levels could reach 1 to 3 feet above ground along vulnerable low-lying shorelines of the Big Island if peak surge coincides with high tide.

Across the remaining islands—including Maui County, Oahu, and Kauai—surge levels of up to 2 feet are expected to inundate normally dry beach areas and low-lying coastal roads.

Combined with massive storm-generated swells that are driving life-threatening surf and destructive rip currents statewide, coastal residents should prepare for significant beach erosion and localized ocean overwash through the weekend.

11:12 AM ET 12 HRS AgoHurricane-force winds forecast to spread over Big Island today

The latest forecast from the National Hurricane Center warns that hurricane-force conditions are expected to spread across portions of the Big Island later today as Tropical Storm Lala makes its closest approach to South Point.

Sustained winds near the core continue to hold near 65 mph, with steady strengthening still projected to bring maximum winds up to hurricane threshold (75+ mph).

FOX Weather meteorologists emphasize that because of Hawaii’s unique topography, wind speeds along leeward slopes, windward ridges, and mountain gaps could be up to 30 percent stronger than baseline surface estimates—producing localized hurricane-force gusts near 100 mph regardless of whether the exact center makes official landfall.

11:06 AM ET 13 HRS AgoBig Island braces for potentially historic landfall as Lala nears

If Tropical Storm Lala’s center crosses directly over the Big Island later today, it will mark an extraordinarily rare historical event.

A direct hurricane landfall on the Big Island hasn’t been documented in 155 years—dating back to 1871—making it an event that predates modern weather satellite tracking entirely.

Tropical systems approaching Hawaii typically shred apart against the massive volcanic peaks of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea or get deflected away by trade-wind ridges.

While atmospheric interactions may cause Lala’s center to wobble slightly offshore near South Point, meteorologists emphasize that whether the storm makes official landfall or not, the life-threatening wind, rain, and surge hazards hitting the island remain exactly the same.

11:03 AM ET
13 HRS AgoHourly updates begin as NHC tracks Lala on Hawaii radar

With Tropical Storm Lala now firmly in range of the South Point Doppler radar (PHWA), the National Hurricane Center (NHC) has switched to issuing hourly tropical cyclone position updates.

These frequent bulletins allow forecasters to track the storm’s exact location, short-term wobbles, and speed in near-real time as its core scrapes past the Big Island.

Real-time radar monitoring provides crucial, up-to-the-minute data on Lala’s inner rainbands, ensuring local emergency management and residents across the island chain have the latest track information as hazardous weather hits.

Stay tuned to FOX Weather as we deliver these hourly updates the moment they drop.

11:01 AM ET 13 HRS AgoRadar shows eye forming as Lala targets hurricane strength

Radar imagery out of South Point has captured a ragged, eye-like feature forming near Tropical Storm Lala’s center, signaling that the system is trying to consolidate as it nears the Big Island.

High-altitude radar data northeast of the core shows winds peaking near 70 mph, so the National Hurricane Center’s official forecast has the storm reaching hurricane strength (75 mph) later today.

10:58 AM ET 13 HRS AgoNHC still expects Lala to reach hurricane status near the Big Island

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) maintains that Lala has about a 12-hour window to reach Category 1 hurricane strength as it approaches the southern coast.

Meteorologists stress, however, that the practical difference between a 65-mph tropical storm and a 75-mph hurricane is minimal—dangerous, hurricane-force wind gusts and torrential rains will hit the Big Island regardless of the storm’s technical classification.

Complex terrain interaction will dominate Lala’s track later today as the high volcanic peaks of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea disrupt the storm’s circulation.

Dynamic models suggest the center could get pulled briefly northwestward into or near the Big Island while a secondary low forms on the leeward side, causing a jumpy, discontinuous track in forecast maps.

Once the system reorganizes west of Hawaii, it is projected to track west through Sunday before potentially turning northwest toward the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands by mid-next week.

10:55 AM ET 13 HRS Ago11 a.m. advisory: Lala packing 65 mph winds 110 miles from South Point

The 11 a.m. ET (5 a.m. HST) advisory from the National Hurricane Center shows Tropical Storm Lala holding steady with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and a central pressure of 991 mb.

Located about 110 miles southeast of South Point, Hawaii, and 325 miles southeast of Honolulu, Lala continues to track west-northwest at 13 mph.

Heavy outer rainbands are already sweeping over the Big Island, bringing gusty squalls and driving downpours.

NHC experts emphasize that dangerous flooding, destructive surf, and strong wind impacts will continue to expand across the entire Hawaiian island chain throughout the weekend.

10:53 AM ET 13 HRS Ago
11 a.m. ET update: NHC issues latest advisory on Tropical Storm Lala

The National Hurricane Center has just issued its full 11 a.m. ET (5 a.m. HST) advisory on Tropical Storm Lala, and our team is breaking down the new data right now.

We are evaluating the updated track cone, central pressure trends, and sustained wind measurements to see how Lala is interacting with the waters just south of the Big Island.

Stand by as we analyze the fresh coordinates and updated hazard maps to bring you the top takeaways and local impacts shortly.

10:13 AM ET 13 HRS AgoNext NHC advisory on Lala incoming: What to look for at 11 a.m. ET

All eyes are on the National Hurricane Center as forecasters prepare to drop the full 11 a.m. ET (5 a.m. HST) advisory on Tropical Storm Lala.

This major update will deliver a fresh, complete forecast track, updated intensity estimates, and fresh data on central pressure as Lala’s inner core closes in on the Big Island.

Crucially, FOX Weather meteorologists will be watching to see if the advisory reflects the storm’s recent southward drift—a shift that could keep the exact center just offshore near South Point while maintaining extreme, islandwide hazard warnings.

Stand by with FOX Weather—we will analyze the fresh track forecast and statistics as soon as the bulletin releases.

10:05 AM ET 14 HRS AgoAnalysis: Lala tracking south of Big Island, but big impacts remain

FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross notes that recent satellite and radar trends show Tropical Storm Lala’s center tracking slightly farther south than initially projected, making an official direct landfall on the Big Island increasingly unlikely.

However, Norcross stresses that residents should not let their guard down. Because Lala’s wind field and moisture canopy extend hundreds of miles from its center, catastrophic rain totals, terrain-amplified wind gusts, and dangerous 25-foot surf will still slam the entire Hawaiian island chain throughout the weekend regardless of where the exact center passes.

10:03 AM ET 14 HRS AgoRadar shows core of Lala, heaviest rain closing in on Big Island

NWS coastal radar out of South Point (PHWA) shows Tropical Storm Lala’s core and dense inner rainbands pressing steadily toward the Big Island from the southeast.

The heaviest rain is now stacking up offshore, threatening to push torrential rain rates into windward slopes and Southern Hawaii County over the coming hours.

As the main core closes the gap, squalls will grow increasingly frequent and intense, bringing localized downpours capable of producing immediate flash flooding alongside rising tropical-storm-force gusts.

9:59 AM ET 14 HRS AgoWind speeds ramping up islandwide as Lala presses closer to Hawaii

Surface observations show wind speeds steadily building across the entire Hawaiian island chain as Tropical Storm Lala’s expanding circulation presses closer.

While the Big Island continues to take the strongest beating—where elevated mountain slopes and ridges are squeezing out gusts over 60 mph—wind speeds are also beginning to ramp up across Maui County and Oahu.

The FOX Forecast Center warns that terrain interactions will amplify these gusts by up to 30 percent along downwind slopes and high-elevation gaps throughout the morning.

9:48 AM ET 14 HRS Ago
Big Island rain surpasses 8 inches as Lala’s outer bands hit

Tropical Storm Lala’s relentless rain machinery is already piling up staggering totals on the Big Island. An observation site at Kawainui Stream has officially logged more than 8 inches of rain over the past 24 hours, giving an early taste of the severe moisture surging into the state.

9:36 AM ET 14 HRS AgoHDOT responds to fallen trees as winds pick up on Big Island

Hawaii Department of Transportation crews are already responding to reports of fallen trees and scattered roadway debris on the Big Island as Tropical Storm Lala’s wind field strengthens over the island.

Anyone forced to drive during the early morning hours should exercise extreme caution, as pitch-black conditions make it exceptionally difficult to spot downed branches, utility hazards, or sudden runoff across the pavement.

9:16 AM ET 14 HRS AgoAnalysis: Bryan Norcross breaks down Lala’s impacts on Hawaii

Tropical Storm or Hurricane Lala will make its final approach to the southern tip of the Big Island of Hawaii today.

Maximum impacts are likely this afternoon Hawaii time, which is this evening Eastern time.

The biggest threat is from rainfall. Tall mountains enhance tropical rainfall and the track of Lala is going to put the dense moisture feed rotating around the storm square into the huge mountains on Hawaii Island that reach almost 14,000 feet.

2 feet or more of rain is predicted on the mountain slopes, which all has to run downhill, of course. Flash flooding and mudslides are the threat.

It’s going to be a close call how much of the Big Island gets the worst of the storm. Lala’s center seems to be leaning south so the south slopes seem especially threatened.

If Lala makes it to hurricane strength as forecast, and it crosses the southern tip of Hawaii Island, it will be the first hurricane in the modern record to make landfall on the biggest island in the State of Hawaii.

– FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross

This east side or windward side of the Big Island is accustomed to rainfall and occasionally extreme rainfall. In 2018, Hurricane Lane, which was about 150 miles away, caused an incredible 58 inches of rain to fall against those same slopes.

That was the second heaviest rain ever measured in the United States from one storm, just behind Hurricane Harvey that flooded metro Houston in 2017.

Wind is going to be an issue at the coast and lower elevations, but mostly in terms of power outages and downed trees. High on the mountains in and through the passes, however, 100+ mph wind gusts are possible.

So the higher the elevation, the bigger the wind threat.

The Hawaiian Islands are not prone to surge flooding from storms arriving from the east. But the waves will be massive and will push water over low-lying coastal sections. High tide at Hilo on the northeast side of the Big Island occurs at about 5 PM this afternoon. Some coastal flooding is likely around that time.

If Lala makes it to hurricane strength as forecast, and it crosses the southern tip of Hawaii Island, it will be the first hurricane in the modern record to make landfall on the biggest island in the State of Hawaii.

That record goes back to 1949. Although it turns out that there was a hurricane that tracked over the northern part of Hawaii Island and into Maui in 1871.

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We learned about that relatively recently when Hawaiian-language newspapers of the era were translated. Tropical storm conditions are likely to spread over Maui and Molokai tonight and into tomorrow, reaching Oahu and Kauai including the Honolulu metropolitan area later on Sunday.

The eastern slopes of the mountains on all of the Hawaiian Islands will be subject to very heavy rainfall. Amounts in the 8- to 12-inch range on Maui and 4 to 6 inches on Oahu and Kauai are forecast.

Everybody in Hawaii should pay close attention to local officials and be sure they’re in a safe place to ride out the storm.

8:48 AM ET 15 HRS AgoHawaii DLNR rushes stream clearings, monitors dams ahead of Lala

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is taking active steps to reduce severe flood risks across the islands ahead of Tropical Storm Lala.

Maintenance teams have partnered with state and local crews to clear trees, overgrown brush, and debris from critical drainage corridors like Mānoa Valley and Waiawa to prevent hazardous water backup.

Additionally, while the state currently reports no immediate dam safety concerns, DLNR has alerted regulated dam owners statewide to review their emergency action plans, test spillway operations, and prepare emergency response contractors.

To help residents track rising hazards in real time, state officials are encouraging the public to utilize the DLNR Dam Evacuation Zone Map Viewer and monitor live stream conditions through the USGS Water Data network.

Officials strongly urge property owners to avoid unauthorized stream alterations, as illegal heavy machinery work can dangerously divert floodwaters onto neighboring lands during intense downpours.

8:44 AM ET 15 HRS Ago
Exclusive analysis: Bryan Norcross on Lala’s 8 a.m. update

FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross is breaking down the latest numbers from the 8 a.m. advisory with exclusive, expert analysis.

Looking closely at the updated track and satellite trends, Norcross points out that while Lala’s center is projected to track just south of the Big Island, the storm’s heavy rain canopy and broad wind field extend well beyond the core.

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8:41 AM ET 15 HRS AgoLive team coverage: FOX Weather on the ground as Lala hits Hawaii

FOX Weather is providing around-the-clock team coverage to bring you the latest developments on Tropical Storm Lala from every angle.

On the frontline of the storm, Storm Specialist Mike Seidel is live in Wainaku on the Big Island tracking rising wind gusts and torrential rain as the system’s core approaches under a Hurricane Warning.

Meanwhile, Correspondent Katie Byrne is live on the ground in Honolulu, reporting on shelter operations, local preparations, and how residents across Oahu are bracing for weekend impacts.

And Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross is providing exclusive analysis and track projections, breaking down what these hazardous conditions mean for each island in real time.

Count on FOX Weather all night long for uninterrupted ground truth, expert analysis, and live updates as Lala pushes through the island chain.

8:33 AM ET 15 HRS AgoHDOT clears storm drains, prepositioning crews as Lala approaches

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) is racing the clock to reinforce state infrastructure before Tropical Storm Lala’s torrential rain arrives.

HDOT maintenance crews are aggressively clearing critical drainage channels, culverts, and stream beds—including joint efforts in vulnerable valleys like Mānoa—to prevent runoff blockages that trigger destructive flash flooding.

Heavy highway response equipment and staging vehicles are being prepositioned near flood-prone corridors and steep slopes across the islands.

State highway officials are also urging drivers to stay off the roads as heavy rain and mountain debris threaten to force immediate highway closures.

8:26 AM ET 15 HRS AgoEmergency shelters open across Hawaii as Lala targets islands

Emergency evacuation shelters are opening across the Hawaiian Islands as county officials and the American Red Cross mobilize to protect residents from Tropical Storm Lala.

Dozens of refuge sites—including high schools, community centers, and local gyms—have opened across the Big Island, Maui County, and Oahu.

Officials stress that these locations are designated for safety, meaning residents taking refuge should bring their own essential emergency supplies, including food, water, bedding, flashlight batteries, and critical medications.

Most shelters are pet-friendly provided pets are kept in secure crates, and county authorities urge anyone living in low-lying, flood-prone, or coastal areas to move inland and seek safe shelter before nightfall.

8:24 AM ET 15 HRS AgoTake Lala seriously: Hawaii Governor Green urges urgent safety prep

Hawaii Governor Josh Green is issuing a strong warning to residents and visitors across the state, emphasizing that Tropical Storm Lala poses a genuine, life-threatening danger.

Calling it “a serious storm” in a briefing, Green pointed out that Hawaii hasn’t experienced a landfall from a tropical system of this scale in decades, meaning many island residents haven’t lived through impacts like these.

The governor signed an emergency proclamation to deploy state resources and activate the National Guard, while urging everyone across the island chain to complete home preparations, stock up on essential supplies, and stay completely off the roads once severe weather sets in.

8:19 AM ET 15 HRS AgoNHC issues historic first peak storm surge forecast for Hawaii

As Tropical Storm Lala approaches, the National Hurricane Center is marking a major technological milestone by issuing its first-ever peak storm surge forecast for the Hawaiian Islands.

Developed over years of research with UCAR/NHC scientist Dr. Benjamin Trabing and a dedicated team of meteorologists, the new probabilistic tool gives forecasters and the public localized visual guidance on rising coastal waters.

The historic debut provides critical context as Lala threatens to drive 1 to 3 feet of storm surge alongside dangerous waves onto exposed shorelines.

8:18 AM ET 15 HRS AgoLala’s outer bands lash Big Island with squalls, gusty winds

Tropical Storm Lala’s outer bands are lashing the Big Island, unleashing driving downpours and powerful wind gusts across windward slopes.

Squalls are sweeping inland from Hilo to South Point, bringing brief visibility drops and wind gusts over 50 mph.

Winds and rain will steadily intensify through the afternoon as Lala’s core tracks closer, pushing tropical-storm-force winds higher up the mountain ridgelines and driving localized flash flooding.

Residents should remain indoors and off the roads as outer rainbands continue to stack up across the island.

7:59 AM ET 16 HRS AgoLala set to unleash 30″ of rain, 100 mph gusts in Hawaii

The FOX Forecast Center is warning of catastrophic, multi-hazard impacts as Tropical Storm Lala barrels toward Hawaii.

Up to 30 inches of torrential rain could deluge higher terrain and favored windward slopes, triggering widespread, life-threatening flash flooding and severe mudslides.

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Gusty winds will intensify dramatically across the island chain, reaching 75 mph along exposed coastal areas and howling near 100 mph over elevated peaks.

Offshore, the ocean is turning extremely violent, with peak wave heights surging up to 25 feet that will batter shorelines with dangerous surf and coastal destruction.

7:55 AM ET 16 HRS Ago61 mph wind gust clocked on Mauna Kea as Lala nears

The elevated terrain on the Big Island is officially taking a beating from Tropical Storm Lala’s outer bands.

A weather station at Pu’u Mali, situated on the high northern slope of Mauna Kea, recently clocked a 61 mph wind gust as the storm continues to push closer.

These early mountain-level gusts offer a stark warning of what is driving toward the rest of the island chain today.

Higher elevations and exposed ridges will continue to see the fiercest conditions, driving downpours and whipping winds inland as Lala’s core advances.

7:52 AM ET 16 HRS Ago8 a.m. advisory: Lala packing 65 mph winds as it nears Hawaii

The 8 a.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center places Tropical Storm Lala roughly 140 miles southeast of South Point, Hawaii, packing 65 mph sustained winds and moving west-northwest at 13 mph.

Tropical-storm-force gusts are already lashing the Big Island as the system’s outer bands press onshore, bringing a central pressure down to 991 mb.

Torrential rain and a severe flood threat will continue to expand westward across the entire Hawaiian island chain throughout the weekend. With the storm sitting just 350 miles southeast of Honolulu, conditions are set to rapidly deteriorate across the central islands next.

7:50 AM ET 16 HRS Ago8 a.m. update: NHC drops latest advisory on Tropical Storm Lala

The National Hurricane Center has officially released its 8 a.m. ET advisory on Tropical Storm Lala, and the FOX Weather team is digging into the data right now.

We are analyzing the fresh coordinates, updated wind speeds, and pressure readings to see if Lala’s inner core has organized further as it presses toward the Hawaiian Islands.

Stand by—we will break down all the critical numbers, hazard maps, and top takeaways right here in just a few moments.

7:21 AM ET 16 HRS AgoNo more recon flights as Hurricane Hunters evacuate Hawaii

The Hurricane Hunters have been forced to evacuate their staging base in Hawaii to safeguard their aircraft as Tropical Storm Lala closes in on the islands.

Crews completed their final direct recon mission into Lala’s core early this morning before pulling out of the storm’s path, meaning forecasters will no longer have access to real-time, in-flight data drops directly from inside the system.

NO WEATHER RECONNAISSANCE FLIGHTS ARE TASKED IN THIS TCPOD DUE TO THE NEED TO RELOCATE NOAA AND USAF WEATHER RECONNAISSANCE AIRCRAFT FROM THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS DUE TO THE THREAT FROM TROPICAL STORM LALA.

– National Hurricane Center Tropical Cyclone Plan of the Day Report

Moving forward, the National Hurricane Center will rely entirely on satellite imagery and coastal radar tracking to monitor Lala’s strength and trajectory.

While the loss of recon flights leaves forecasters with one less tool in the chest, tracking efforts remain fully active as the storm’s dangerous outer bands begin to hammer the state.

7:13 AM ET 16 HRS Ago
Awaiting 8 a.m. ET NHC advisory on Tropical Storm Lala

All eyes are turned to the National Hurricane Center as forecasters prepare to drop the 8 a.m. ET intermediate advisory on Tropical Storm Lala.

This update will give us the latest snapshot of Lala’s exact position, current maximum sustained winds, and central pressure as it churns closer to the Hawaiian Islands.

Crucially, the 8 a.m. bulletin will reveal if Lala’s inner core is better organizing, signaling whether the storm is nearing hurricane strength.

Stay right here with FOX Weather—we will break down the numbers and updated hazard warnings the second the advisory hits the wire.

7:01 AM ET 17 HRS AgoLala churning toward Hawaii: What you need to know now

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Tropical Storm Lala is steadily closing in on the Hawaiian Islands, pushing tropical-storm-force winds and torrential outer bands toward the Big Island.

FOX Weather meteorologists warn that the core of the storm will scrape near South Point before sweeping just south of the remaining island chain through Sunday.

Dangerous ocean swells are already crashing onto windward beaches, and inland areas are preparing for localized rainfall totals that could top 20 inches in higher terrain.

Residents across all islands should finalize emergency supplies and monitor local alerts as conditions worsen throughout the day.

6:47 AM ET 17 HRS AgoHawaii under Hurricane, Tropical Storm Warnings as Lala nears

The National Hurricane Center has posted a Hurricane Warning for Hawaii County (the Big Island) as Tropical Storm Lala barrels closer, signaling that destructive hurricane conditions are expected within the area.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Warnings stretch across the rest of the state, covering Oahu, Kauai County, and Maui County—including Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe.

These warnings mean damaging winds and hazard-level conditions are imminent, making outside preparations dangerous or impossible once the storm hits.

Residents across every island should complete life and property preparations immediately before conditions rapidly decline over the next 24 hours.

6:45 AM ET 17 HRS AgoWinds ramp up on Hawaii’s Big Island as Lala spins closer

Winds are officially ramping up across the Big Island as the outer circulation of Tropical Storm Lala begins to squeeze against Hawaii’s steep terrain.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 220 miles, with higher elevations and exposed ridgelines taking the brunt of the initial surge.

Conditions will rapidly deteriorate through the morning hours as Lala’s core nears, driving damaging gusts and horizontal rain inland.

6:39 AM ET 17 HRS AgoHawaii braces for life-threatening flooding and dangerous winds

Tropical Storm Lala is set to unleash severe weather across the Hawaiian Islands this weekend, with damaging hurricane-force winds targeting the Big Island on Saturday.

Terrain will play a massive role, as wind gusts are expected to peak across higher elevations while tropical-storm-force winds spread over smaller islands through Sunday.

Emergency officials urge all residents to rush preparations to completion before conditions rapidly deteriorate.

FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross breaks down the latest as Lala closes in on the islands.

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Beyond the winds, torrential rain will spread westward across the island chain, creating life-threatening flash flood hazards and mudslides in steep areas.

Heavy ocean swells are already surging along eastern shores and will expand to southern coasts, bringing severe beach erosion and localized coastal flooding as Lala pushes through.

6:31 AM ET 17 HRS AgoGround truth: Mike Seidel tracks final preparations in Hawaii

FOX Weather Storm Specialist Mike Seidel is on the ground in Hawaii bringing you live, frontline coverage as communities rush to complete final emergency preparations.

With Tropical Storm Lala bearing down, residents are boarding up storefronts, clearing drainage paths, and securing boats before conditions rapidly deteriorate.

Mike will be tracking the rising surf and pounding wind gusts firsthand as the storm’s outer bands begin to make landfall.

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6:28 AM ET 17 HRS AgoLala set to hit hurricane strength as it tracks south of Hawaii

The official forecast track from the National Hurricane Center keeps Tropical Storm Lala on a steady west-northwestward path, taking the system just south of the main Hawaiian islands later tonight.

Forecasters expect steady strengthening over favorable ocean waters, pushing Lala to reach hurricane intensity with maximum sustained winds topping 75 mph later today.

While the storm’s center may stay offshore, the island chain will still sit squarely on the dangerous northern fringe of the system.

That setup will unleash torrential rain, destructive gusty winds, and life-threatening surf conditions across the region through Sunday.

6:21 AM ET 17 HRS Ago5 a.m. advisory: Tropical Storm Lala closing in on Hawaii with 65 mph winds

The National Hurricane Center’s 5 a.m. ET advisory shows Tropical Storm Lala maintaining 65 mph winds as it tracks west-northwest toward Hawaii.

Strengthening remains likely before the storm passes dangerously close to the Big Island, bringing life-threatening flash flooding, power outages, and torrential downpours across the island chain through the weekend.