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Thousands without power and at least 100 homes damaged after Tropical Storm Lala lashes Hawaii
CNN • • nation
Key Points:
- Hurricane Lala weakened to a tropical storm Sunday morning after passing near Hawaii, causing heavy rain, strong winds, and leaving over 200,000 customers without power, with nearly 70% of the Big Island affected.
- At least 100 homes were damaged or lost, with ongoing search and rescue missions for homes swept off foundations; flash flood warnings remain in effect, especially for Oahu and the Big Island.
- The storm brought over 30 inches of rain to the Big Island, causing widespread flooding, road closures, and flight cancellations, while additional heavy rainfall and high surf advisories continue across other islands.
- Residents evacuated to shelters, stocked up on supplies, and heeded official warnings to stay off roads and secure property amid ongoing emergency response efforts involving local authorities and the National Guard.
- The storm's persistence is fueled by a marine heatwave and developing Super El Niño, contributing to warmer ocean temperatures and increased tropical cyclone activity in the central Pacific this season.
