Tropical Storm Lala drenches Hawaii with heavy rain and strong winds
Tropical Storm Lala drenches Hawaii with heavy rain and strong winds
US · Published Aug 17, 2026
Tropical Storm Lala, which had briefly intensified into a Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds of 120 km/h (75 mph), weakened back to tropical storm status on Sunday morning.
Despite not making landfall, the storm caused widespread destruction across Hawaii's Big Island and other parts of the state.

Impact & Risks

The storm has caused significant disruptions across Hawaii, with over 200,000 homes and businesses losing power, including nearly two-thirds of customers on the Big Island. Flash floods swept away homes in coastal areas like Na'alehu and Wai'ohinu, and at least one fatality was reported due to a vehicle accident. Downed power lines, mudslides, and active flooding remain major hazards. Tropical storm warnings are in effect for multiple islands, including Maui, Oahu, and Kauai, with risks of destructive flooding and strong winds. Higher-altitude areas on the Big Island have received up to 89 cm (35 inches) of rain, increasing the risk of landslides.

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