Hurricane Warning issued for Hawaiʻi Island as Tropical Storm Lala strengthens
Tropical Storm Lala is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane by August 15, 2026, as it approaches Hawaiʻi, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Hawaiʻi Island, and the governor issued an emergency proclamation on August 13 as state and local authorities prepared for worsening wind, rainfall, and coastal conditions.
Satellite image of Tropical Storm Lala at 03:00 UTC on August 14, 2026. Credit: NOAA/GOES-19, Zoom Earth, The Watchers
Key NHC messages:
- Lala is forecast to strengthen and become a hurricane as it approaches the Big Island of Hawaii by early Saturday. A Hurricane Warning remains in effect for the Big Island and a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Maui County. Winds are expected to be the strongest in areas of higher terrain.
- Heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Lala will begin to impact the Big Island Friday, spreading westward across the remainder of the island chain during the weekend. This rainfall may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.
- Large and dangerous waves, especially on the Big Island, are expected this weekend, with the greatest impacts along exposed windward and southern shores. This prolonged period of heavy surf may cause localized coastal flooding and significant beach erosion.
- Interests elsewhere in Hawaii should monitor the progress of Lala, and Tropical Storm Watches or Warnings could be required on Friday.
At 23:00 HST on August 13, the center of Tropical Storm Lala was located about 735 km (455 miles) east-southeast of Hilo and 1 075 km (670 miles) east-southeast of Honolulu. Maximum sustained winds were 95 km/h (60 mph).
The system was moving west-northwest at 17 km/h (10 mph), with an estimated minimum central pressure of 997 hPa. A Hurricane Warning was in effect for Hawaiʻi Island, while a Tropical Storm Watch remained in effect for Maui County.
Lala is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane as it approaches the Big Island by early August 15.
Hurricane conditions are expected on Hawaiʻi Island by early August 15, while tropical storm conditions are possible in Maui County later during the day
NHC forecast 203–305 mm (8–12 inches) of rain across Maui and Hawaiʻi Island, with maximum totals of 635 mm (25 inches) possible on Hawaiʻi Island. Across the remainder of the island chain, 102–152 mm (4–6 inches) was forecast, with localized totals reaching 203 mm (8 inches).
NWS Honolulu’s Flood Watch forecast higher localized totals of 254–381 mm (10–15 inches) over upslope and windward parts of Hawaiʻi Island and 203–305 mm (8–12 inches) over upslope and windward Maui, with localized totals up to 635 mm (25 inches) and 381 mm (15 inches), respectively.
NHC warned that the combination of storm surge and the tide could flood normally dry coastal areas in Hawaiʻi, with water levels reaching 0.3–0.9 m (1–3 feet) above ground if the peak surge coincides with high tide. The deepest water is expected along the immediate coast, where the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves.
The extent of surge-related flooding will depend on the timing of the surge relative to the tidal cycle and may vary considerably over short distances.
Moist tropical flow interacting with island terrain is forecast to increase rainfall along windward slopes. Persistent heavier rain over the same locations could produce flash flooding and rapidly rising streams, while Lala’s eventual track will determine where the highest totals occur.
Wind impacts are forecast to be greatest on Hawaiʻi Island and surrounding waters. NWS Honolulu said damaging winds can occur even if Lala’s center remains south of the coastline. Marine conditions are forecast to worsen as the cyclone approaches, while surf along east-facing shores could reach approximately 4.6 m (15 feet) or higher during the weekend. Dangerous surf is expected to develop first around Maui and Hawaiʻi Island before spreading toward Oʻahu and Kauaʻi.
Hawaiʻi County plans to open public shelters at 18:00 HST on August 14 (04:00 UTC on August 15). Camping permits for the nights of August 14 and 15 have been canceled, county solid-waste facilities will close on August 15, and several county-hosted events have been canceled.
Hele-On paratransit service is scheduled to end at 20:00 HST on August 14, with all fixed-route and paratransit bus services canceled on August 15 and 16. County officials also advised residents to prepare for possible road closures and extended power outages.
The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency reported that the governor issued an emergency proclamation relating to Tropical Storm Lala on August 13. Maui County also continued preparations for possible wind, heavy rainfall, flooding and coastal hazards.
Lala is the first tropical cyclone to form in the Central Pacific basin in 2026 and the first storm to receive a Central Pacific name this season.
References:
1 Tropical Storm Lala Advisory Number 8 – NOAA/NHC – August 13, 2026
2 Tropical Storm Lala Discussion Number 8 – NOAA/NHC – August 13, 2026
3 Proclamation relating to Tropical Storm Lala – Office of the Governor of the State of Hawai’i – August 13, 2026
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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