Over 191,800 Customers Without Power in Hawaii After Tropical Storm Lala
Over 191,800 Customers Without Power in Hawaii After Tropical Storm Lala
US · Published Aug 17, 2026
Tropical Storm Lala has caused widespread power outages across Hawaii, leaving approximately 191,800 Hawaiian Electric Co. (HECO) customers without electricity as of 2:30 p.m. HST on August 16,
The storm brought strong winds and heavy rainfall, damaging transmission lines and making repairs challenging. HECO crews are working to restore power, with helicopters and drones conducting damage assessments on Hawaii Island and Maui. Oahu is scheduled for aerial inspections on Monday. Restoration efforts are prioritizing emergency facilities such as hospitals and water supply systems. Over 180,000 customers have had their power restored since the storm began, but rural areas may face extended outages lasting weeks or months.

Impact & Risks

The storm has disrupted power for residents across Hawaii, with significant outages reported on Hawaii Island, Maui County, and Oahu. Downed trees, flooding, and debris have hindered repair efforts. Rural areas, particularly on Hawaii Island, are expected to experience prolonged outages. Emergency services and critical infrastructure are being prioritized for power restoration. The public is advised to avoid downed power lines, which are considered energized and dangerous. The outages have also impacted daily activities, with residents urged to conserve electricity to ensure sufficient power supply.

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