Tropical Storm Lala Lashes Hawaii After Narrowly Missing Landfall

Lala danced past the Big Island shore,
Winds howled and rains began to pour.
Power gone, roofs took flight,
Hawaii weathers another stormy night.

Tropical Storm Lala brought damaging winds, torrential rain and widespread power outages to the Hawaiian Islands after skirting the Big Island without making landfall. The system, which briefly reached Category 1 hurricane strength, weakened Sunday as it moved northwest, but its impacts continued to batter communities across the state.

Heavy Rain and Power Disruptions

More than 200,000 customers lost power at the peak of the storm, with nearly 70 percent of the Big Island affected at one point. Rainfall totals approached three feet in higher elevations, triggering flash flooding, mudslides and the loss of at least 100 homes. One fatality was reported in a traffic accident linked to the weather on the southern tip of the Big Island.

Warnings Remain in Effect

Tropical storm warnings stayed active for Maui County, Oahu and Kauai as the system continued westward. Forecasters warned of continued flooding risk and dangerous surf along exposed shorelines. Hawaiian Electric crews faced challenges restoring power amid downed trees and flooded roads.