Hawaii is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Lala, which made landfall on Saturday, August 15, 2026, bringing with it powerful winds and torrential rains that have left a trail of destruction in its wake.
Power Outages and Flooding
According to the latest reports, over 40,000 utility customers have been left without power, with the majority of the outages occurring on the Big Island and in Maui County. The National Hurricane Center has issued a warning of life-threatening conditions, citing the potential for flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas with steep terrain.
Storm Damage and Response
The Hawaiian Electric company has cautioned customers to prepare for possible extended power outages, potentially lasting overnight, as the storm continues to move westward across the state. Utility crews are working to assess and repair damage to transmission lines, with a 42-mile stretch of lines on the Hamakua Coast being a major area of concern.
The storm’s maximum sustained winds have been recorded at 75 mph, categorizing it as a Category 1 hurricane. However, wind gusts of over 100 mph have been reported at the Maunakea Weather Center, located on the Big Island’s tallest peak.
Airport and Port Closures
In response to the storm, the Hawaii Department of Transportation has announced the closure of Hilo International Airport and the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole. Additionally, commercial ports on the islands of Hawaii, Maui, and Kaua‘i have been shut down.
The heavy rainfall is expected to continue, with predictions of 10 to 20 inches on the Big Island and up to 25 inches in some areas. Eastern Maui can expect 8 to 12 inches of rain, while western Maui may see 4 to 6 inches.
- 42,889 customers without power across Hawaii
- 31,792 outages on the Big Island
- 7,203 outages in Maui County
Source: Original Article
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