New watches, warnings issued for Hawaii as Tropical Storm Lala approaches

Key Points:

• Tropical Storm Lala is approaching Hawaii and is expected to strengthen into a low-end Category 1 hurricane by Saturday, with a hurricane warning in effect for the Big Island and tropical storm warnings or watches for other islands.
• The storm poses significant threats including 8 to 12 inches of heavy rainfall, with up to 25 inches possible on the Big Island, leading to life-threatening flash flooding and landslides, especially in hilly and mountainous areas.
• Strong winds capable of causing tree damage and power outages are anticipated across the islands, particularly in higher elevations, with rough surf and potential coastal flooding expected along east and south-facing shores.
• Residents are advised to stay alert, have a hurricane preparedness plan, and be ready for possible evacuations, especially in flood-prone areas, as Lala may not be the only storm affecting Hawaii this season due to an active El Niño and warm ocean conditions.
• Another Pacific storm, Tropical Storm Hernan, is currently not a threat to Hawaii and is expected to weaken soon, while Lala will move westward past the islands by Monday and continue over the central and western Pacific.