Hawaii is bracing for damaging winds, heavy rain and flooding as Hurricane Lala approaches the state.
The category one storm reached hurricane strength on Saturday, with winds of up to 80mph. The National Hurricane Center said at 17:00 local time that Lala’s eyewall was brushing the southern portion of Big Island.
A hurricane warning is in place for Big Island, while Maui County, Oahu, Kauai and Niihau are under tropical storm warnings.
Forecasters said Lala could produce up to 25 inches of rain on Big Island and a storm surge of up to three feet. The storm is expected to either make landfall or pass close to the island’s southern tip before moving west.
“Damaging winds and heavy rain will persist across the Big Island throughout tonight and spread westwards across the smaller islands on Sunday,” the National Hurricane Center said.
Officials have warned residents to prepare for life-threatening conditions, including flash floods, mudslides and dangerous surf.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green said residents should brace for “an incredible amount of water”.
At least 37,000 customers had lost power across Hawaii by Saturday afternoon, while flights were disrupted at the state’s main airports. About 40% of flights were grounded at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport and 80% were cancelled at Hilo International Airport.
In Hilo, meteorologist Jennifer Myers said landslides had cut off some roads and falling trees had brought down power lines. She said the Wailuku River was running high as it entered Hilo Bay.
Public shelters were opened across Big Island, with Hawaii County’s Civil Defense Agency urging residents to focus on their sheltering plans.
Hurricane Iniki, which struck Kauai in 1992, was the last hurricane to make landfall in Hawaii.
