Tropical Storm Lala is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane as it approaches Hawaii’s Big Island, bringing the threat of dangerous winds, heavy rainfall, and high surf. Currently located approximately 420 miles southeast of Hilo with winds of 60mph, the storm is gaining strength in a sign of what a strengthening super El Niño in the Pacific may bring.
A state of emergency has been declared amid the danger of life-threatening floods, with rain expected to reach the islands starting late Friday. A hurricane warning has been issued for the Big Island, while a tropical storm warning remains in effect for Maui County.
This event marks a rare hurricane strike for the state, which has not been hit by a major hurricane, meaning Category 3, 4, or 5, since 1992. Additionally, severe storms are threatening more flooding and outages across Indiana.