Tropical Storm Lala Update
Disaster Alert
August 14, 2026
Source: Information provided in partnership with Verisk
Tropical Storm Lala:
Tropical Storm Lala is strengthening in the Central Pacific and is expected to approach the Hawaiian Islands this weekend. As of 5am HST / 11am EDT, the storm is currently located approximately 420 miles east-southeast of Hilo and is moving west-northwest at around 12 mph with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. Additional strengthening is expected over the next couple of days though there remains some uncertainty around its exact intensity. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is currently forecasting Lala to reach Category 1 hurricane strength by tomorrow morning on its approach to the Big Island, while some model guidance suggests the storm may remain a strong tropical storm through this weekend. This uncertainty is partially tied to dry mid-level air that has been impacting Lala and how Lala interacts with the higher terrain of Hawaii, which could influence its wind intensity as it nears the islands.
The center of Lala is forecast to pass near or over the Big Island on Saturday before tracking south of the remaining islands through Sunday. If Lala does make landfall on the Big Island as a hurricane, it would be only the third documented hurricane to make landfall in the state. Some weakening is expected during the second half of the weekend as Lala passes south of the smaller islands, likely as a strong tropical storm. Once Lala is west of Hawaii, some additional strengthening is possible early next week as the storm moves further into the Pacific away from Hawaii.
The primary wind threat is expected across the Big Island, where hurricane conditions are forecast to develop by early Saturday (tomorrow). Sustained tropical storm and hurricane-force winds could produce downed trees, power outages, and damage to exposed structures, particularly in higher elevations where terrain can enhance wind speeds. As such, a Hurricane Warning is currently in effect for Hawaii County (the Big Island), while a Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Maui County and a Tropical Storm Watch for Oahu and Kauai County. In addition to this widespread wind threat, there will also be a risk for a few tornadoes over the weekend as the right front quadrant of Lala impacts the state, with the greatest risk on the Big Island.
Coastal impacts are expected to include elevated surf, dangerous rip currents, and localized coastal flooding. Storm surge of approximately 1 to 3 feet is possible along vulnerable coastlines, especially where the strongest onshore winds coincide with high tide.
Perhaps the most significant concern is heavy rainfall and associated flooding. Widespread rainfall totals of 8 to 12 inches are likely across the Big Island and Maui, with isolated totals as high as 25 inches possible on the Big Island. Other islands could receive 2 to 6 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts. These rainfall totals are expected to create a substantial risk of flash flooding, swollen streams, roadway inundation, and mudslides, particularly in steep and mountainous terrain. Flood impacts may begin on the Big Island today and spread westward across the island chain through the weekend.
While some uncertainty remains regarding Lala’s exact track and intensity, confidence is high that the storm will bring hazardous weather to portions of the Hawaiian Islands this weekend, with heavy rainfall and flooding posing the greatest overall threat and damaging winds, storm surge, and dangerous surf contributing to potentially significant impacts.