Hawaii Braces for Potential Cyclone Amid Hurricane Lala Recovery
Hawaii Braces for Potential Cyclone Amid Hurricane Lala Recovery
US · Published Aug 20, 2026
Hawaii is still recovering from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Lala, which caused significant damage by tearing roofs off houses, uprooting trees, and leaving roads covered in mud and debris. Nearly 15,000 homes and businesses remain without power as of Thursday, August 20,
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service's Central Pacific Hurricane Center has issued warnings about a tropical depression southeast of the islands that could strengthen into a tropical storm. This system is expected to bring up to 15 inches of rain to the Big Island over the weekend, potentially causing life-threatening flooding, mudslides, and rip currents. Hawaii Governor Josh Green and state officials are addressing the situation while continuing recovery efforts from Hurricane Lala, which has already claimed two lives. (Source time: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 15:29:46 GMT)

Impact & Risks

The Big Island is at significant risk of heavy rainfall, with forecasts predicting up to 15 inches over the weekend. This could lead to severe flooding, mudslides, and dangerous rip currents. The ongoing recovery from Hurricane Lala has left many areas vulnerable, with 13,200 customers still without power and critical infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, heavily damaged. The potential cyclone could exacerbate these challenges, delaying recovery efforts and increasing the risk to residents and emergency responders. Additionally, the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument is under hurricane warnings, posing risks to marine life and ongoing debris removal operations in the area.

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