Hurricane storm news
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The gist
Tropical Storm Lala hit Hawaii's Big Island, damaging over 100 homes and several bridges. It was the first direct hurricane threat in 34 years, causing hundreds of millions in damage.
Background
Tropical Storm Lala formed in the Pacific on Thursday and strengthened as it approached Hawaii, prompting hurricane warnings for the Big Island. It was the first direct hurricane threat to Hawaii since 1992, and the last landfall on the Big Island was 155 years ago. The storm brought heavy rain, high winds, and dangerous surf, causing significant damage before weakening.
How it unfolded
- Thu, Aug 13, 2026Tropical Storm Lala forms in the Pacific, about 700 miles east-southeast of Hawaii, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. A hurricane watch is issued for the Big Island.
- Fri, Aug 14, 2026Hurricane warning issued for the Big Island; tropical storm watch for Maui County. Forecasters warn of up to 25 inches of rain possible on the Big Island.
- Sat, Aug 15, 2026Lala reaches Category 1 hurricane strength and skirts the Big Island without making landfall. Ports are shut down by the Coast Guard. Photos show fallen trees and rising waters.
- Sun, Aug 16, 2026Lala weakens to a tropical storm but continues to bring hurricane-force gusts and heavy rain across the islands, spreading from Maui to Oahu and Kauai.
- Mon, Aug 17, 2026Cleanup begins; damage reported to more than 100 homes and several bridges on the Big Island. Governor estimates hundreds of millions in damage. Lala could re-strengthen to a hurricane by Wednesday.
Who’s saying what
- Officials
- Hawaii's emergency management director warned of ongoing dangers even after the storm passed.
- Forecasters
- National Hurricane Center warned of life-threatening surf, rip currents, and up to 25 inches of rain in worst-case scenarios.
Still unverified
The exact number of homes damaged is reported as 'more than 100' and 'about 100' in different sources; the total damage estimate is from the governor and not yet independently verified.