Hurricane Lala weakens to tropical storm, drenching Hawaii's Big Island

Key Points:

• Hurricane Lala weakened to a tropical storm after skirting Hawaii without making landfall but caused severe damage on the Big Island with hurricane-force winds and up to three feet of rain, triggering flash floods and landslides.
• A search-and-rescue operation was launched in the southern coastal communities of Na’alehu and Wai’ohinu after flash floods swept several homes off their foundations; one fatality was reported in a vehicle accident on the Big Island.
• Honolulu experienced widespread storm damage including downed trees, roofs, and power lines, with over 200,000 homes and businesses across the main islands losing power and some hospitals operating on generators.
• Tropical storm warnings remain in effect for multiple islands, with heavy rain and strong winds expected to continue, raising concerns about flooding and wildfires; forecasters predict Lala may regain hurricane strength midweek once it moves west of Hawaii.
• Residents have been urged to stay home due to ongoing hazards, and emergency shelters were opened as many continue to recover from previous flooding earlier this year.