Hawaii braces for potential first direct hit by a hurricane in 34 years

Key Points:

• Hawaii is preparing for a potential direct hit from Hurricane Lala, a category one storm with 75 mph winds, which could bring up to 25 inches of rain and a 3-foot storm surge to the Big Island.
• A hurricane warning is in effect for the Big Island, while tropical storm warnings cover Maui County, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau, with officials urging residents to prepare for life-threatening conditions such as floods and mudslides.
• Lala is expected to make landfall or pass near the southern tip of the Big Island on Saturday before moving west, potentially weakening into a tropical storm as it passes other islands.
• Significant flight cancellations have occurred at Big Island airports, with 40% of flights grounded at Ellison Onizuka Kona International and 80% at Hilo International, while local authorities have opened public shelters across the island.
• This would be Hawaii's first hurricane landfall on the Big Island in 155 years, with the last major hurricane to strike the state being Category 4 Hurricane Iniki in 1992, which caused significant damage and fatalities.