Hurricane Lala lashes Hawaii with strong winds and torrential rain

August 16, 2026

Hurricane Lala, a category one storm with wind speeds reaching 91 mph, has caused severe flash flooding across Hawaii's Big Island after passing within 30 miles of its southern coast. The storm has resulted in at least one death from a weather-related car accident, left approximately 115,000 customers without power, and potentially swept several occupied homes off their foundations in two areas experiencing flash flooding. Officials have issued warnings about life-threatening conditions including mudslides, with forecasts predicting up to 35 inches of rainfall in some locations, while nearly 200 flights have been postponed and major airports have experienced significant cancellations.

Who is affected

Hawaii residents across all eight major islands (Big Island, Maui, Molokai, Kahoolawe, Oahu, Lanai, Kauai, and Niihau)
At least one fatality from a weather-related car accident on Big Island
People whose homes may have been swept away by flash floods in two areas of Big Island
Nearly 115,000 customers without electricity
Three hospitals that lost power
Maui residents left without water supply
190 flights' worth of passengers affected by postponements
Passengers impacted by 40% flight cancellations at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport and 80% at Hilo International Airport

What action is being taken

Hawaii County's civil defense agency has initiated a search and rescue operation to find people whose homes may have been swept away
Three hospitals are operating on backup generators after losing power
Tropical storm warnings are in effect for all eight of Hawaii's major islands
Officials are repeatedly urging residents to prepare for the storm and avoid traveling on roads

Why it matters

This represents a significant natural disaster impacting Hawaii with life-threatening conditions including flash flooding, mudslides, and damaging winds. The potential loss of homes, the death already confirmed, widespread power outages affecting over 100,000 customers, and the disruption of critical infrastructure like hospitals and airports demonstrate the severe impact on public safety and daily life across the Hawaiian islands. The extreme rainfall predictions of up to 35 inches create ongoing dangers of catastrophic flooding and mudslides that could result in additional casualties and property damage.

What's next

Heavy rain and damaging winds will persist across Big Island throughout the night
The storm will spread westwards across the smaller islands on Sunday
County crews will return to assess water supply issues in Maui once weather conditions are safe

Read full article from source: BBC