This is the latest 5-day Tropical Cyclone forecast from the National Weather Service as of 5 pm Friday. Please note the forecasted increase in strength to a hurricane on Saturday. Refer to the table below courtesy of the Homeowner’s Handbook by the UH Sea Grant if it’s safe to shelter in place, else make arrangements with a family member or friend if their home is safe to shelter in place. Ensure you have enough food, water, and essential supplies to last at least 14 days and have a ‘go-bag’ with 72 hours worth of essentials if you have to evacuate.
This is the latest update from the Star Advertiser on Tropical Storm Lala as of 6 pm Friday:
A tropical storm watch for Oahu and Kauai County has been upgraded to a warning as Tropical Storm Lala continues its approach to the Hawaiian Islands. A hurricane warning remains active today for Hawaii County, where dangerous hurricane conditions are forecast to hit Saturday. A tropical storm warning is now in effect for all other islands, including Oahu, Kauai, Niihau, Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe, meaning tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours.
At 5 p.m., Lala’s maximum sustained winds are holding at 65 mph with higher gusts. The storm is centered about 235 miles east-southeast of South Point and 440 miles southeast of Honolulu, moving west-northwest at 12 mph. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 220 miles from Lala’s center. Steady strengthening remains in the forecast, and Lala is still expected to reach hurricane strength as its core nears the Big Island’s southern tip Saturday before tracking south of the smaller islands Sunday. Peak wind forecasts on the Big Island range from 40 to 75 mph, with gusts reaching up to 85 mph in Kona, and the southeast and interior of the Big Island. Tropical storm conditions across other island zones carry peak wind forecasts ranging between 25 and 50 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph.
Heavy rainfall continues to present a major threat across the island chain, creating serious risks for life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides. Peak rainfall estimates reach up to 12 to 18 inches on the windward side of the Big Island and 10 to 15 inches in the southeast, with up to 25 inches possible overall on the Big Island. Maui is projected to receive 8 to 12 inches of rain, while 4 to 8 inches are forecast for the Kauai mountains and remaining islands, with 1 to 3 inches expected on Niihau and Oahu.
Localized storm surge inundation of 1 to 3 feet above ground level remains possible in surge-prone coastal areas on the Big Island through early Monday, with up to 2 feet of surge possible for other affected coastal zones.
Determine if it’s safe to shelter in place. If not, please consider sheltering with a family member or friend whose home is safe to shelter in place. HIEMA has announced that the following shelters will be open on Oahu starting at 8 am tomorrow (Saturday):
- Blanche Pope Elementary School
- Castle High School
- Kahuku Elementary School
- Kapolei High School
- Mililani High School
- Moanalua High School
- Nānākuli Elementary
- Roosevelt High School
Hurricane refuge areas provide a safe place for residents and visitors who need temporary protection from severe weather. If you plan to use a refuge area, bring your own food, water, medications, and other essential items whenever possible. All locations are pet-friendly. Pets must be leashed or secured in a carrier, and owners are responsible for their pets and should bring food, water, and other necessary pet supplies. The hurricane refuge areas will be operated in partnership with the American Red Cross, with support from City and County of Honolulu departments.
While the forecast shows that the storm is passing to the south, the outer bands of the storm will be of tropical storm strength with wind gusts of up to 50 mph. The high winds combined with possible heavy rain could lead to downs trees, torn roofs, downed power lines and localized flooding. Please assess your own personal situation and determine how you need to be prepared.
This is a link from an earlier post with Hawaiʻi’s emergency plan: The first 24 hours after a storm
The proclamation declared by Governor Green activated the Major Disaster Fund and allowed the Hawaiʻi National Guard to be activated if needed. It also directs state agencies to provide personnel, facilities and other resources for emergency responses, so that state officials can take faster action to clear debris, protect critical infrastructure and prepare for storm impacts. “Tropical Storm Lala poses a serious threat to our state, particularly Hawaiʻi Island — and we are taking action now to ensure resources are available where they are needed,” said Governor Green.
While the forecast shows that the storm is passing to the south, the outer band of the storm will be of tropical storm strength with wind gusts of up to 50 mph. The high winds combined with possible heavy rain could lead to downed trees, torn roofs, downed power lines, loss of electricity, and localized flooding. Assess your personal situation and determine how best to be prepared.
City officials said residents should take the following steps now:
>> Review and update family emergency plans, including where to go if evacuation is necessary.
>> Assemble or replenish emergency supplies, including enough food, water, medications and essential items to last at least 14 days.
>> Have flashlights, batteries, portable chargers and other supplies ready in the event of a power outage.
>> Secure outdoor furniture, equipment and other loose objects that could become hazardous in strong winds.
>> Clear gutters, drains and areas that could contribute to flooding.
>> Keep vehicles fueled and avoid waiting until the last minute to purchase essential supplies.
>> Know whether homes are in a flood, coastal or other hazard area and be prepared to relocate if necessary.
>> Sign up for HNL Alert emergency notifications by visiting hnlalert.gov or texting HNLALERT to 888777.
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