Tropical Storm Lala causes power outages across Hawaii: 88k+ customers impacted

Key Points:

• Hurricane Lala remains a hurricane as it moves northwest near the Hawaiian Islands, bringing damaging winds, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and dangerously high surf, particularly impacting the Big Island, Maui County, Oahu, and Kauai.
• Significant rainfall totals of 10 to 17 inches have been recorded on the eastern Big Island, with continued flooding risks expected statewide, alongside sustained winds up to 85 mph and possible hurricane-force conditions on the Big Island.
• Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) reports widespread power outages affecting over 88,000 customers statewide due to storm-related damage, with Hawaii Island experiencing the most severe outages impacting over 63,000 customers, followed by Maui County and Oahu.
• HECO crews face challenges restoring power amid extreme wind gusts and damage to transmission lines, with temporary power outages ("load shedding") possible on Hawaii Island to maintain grid stability; customers are advised to prepare for extended outages.
• Authorities urge residents to follow evacuation orders, stay indoors away from windows, and remain prepared for life-threatening flooding, wind damage, and potential tornadoes, while monitoring updates from the National Weather Service and emergency officials.