Tropical Storm Lala is tracking toward the Big Island of Hawaii and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane before making a close approach early Saturday, according to ABC News. A hurricane watch was issued Thursday for the Big Island.
As of 5 a.m. ET Friday, Lala was moving west-northwest at 10 mph with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. It was located approximately 455 miles east-southeast of Hilo.
Hurricane warnings are in place for Hawaii County. Tropical storm watches remain in place for Maui County, covering the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe.
Forecasters say Lala is expected to continue strengthening through Friday and into Saturday. The exact timing and intensity of impacts will depend on how close the storm tracks to the islands.
Heavy rain and gusty winds are expected to begin hitting the Big Island on Friday. Forecasters warn of life-threatening mudslides and landslides, particularly in areas with steep terrain. Rainfall totals of 8 to 12 inches are expected across Maui and the Big Island, with the highest elevations on the Big Island potentially receiving up to 25 inches. The rest of the Hawaiian Islands are forecast to receive 4 to 6 inches.
Large and dangerous surf is also expected, especially along exposed windward and southern shores of the Big Island. The prolonged heavy surf could cause localized coastal flooding and significant beach erosion.
