Hurricane Local Statement
142
WTHW80 PHFO 131510
HLSHFO
HIZ023-026>028-051>054-132315-
Tropical Storm Lala Local Statement Advisory Number 5
National Weather Service Honolulu HI CP012026
510 AM HST Thu Aug 13 2026
This product covers the Hawaiian islands
**HURRICANE WATCH ISSUED FOR THE BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII AS NEWLY
DEVELOPED TROPICAL STORM LALA ADVANCES TOWARD THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS**
NEW INFORMATION
---------------
* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Hurricane Watch has been issued for Big Island East, Big
Island Interior, Big Island North, Big Island South, Big Island
Southeast, Big Island Summits, Kohala, and Kona
* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Big Island East, Big Island
Interior, Big Island North, Big Island South, Big Island
Southeast, Big Island Summits, Kohala, and Kona
* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 920 miles east-southeast of Honolulu or about 700 miles
east-southeast of Hilo
- 15.2N 145.5W
- Storm Intensity 40 mph
- Movement West or 280 degrees at 10 mph
SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------
Newly formed Tropical Storm Lala is expected to intensify during the
next few days and bring heavy rainfall, high surf, and potentially
damaging winds to parts of the state this weekend. Some impacts from
Lala could be experienced as early as Friday, mainly over the eastern
end of the island chain, and Lala may move directly over portions of
the state Saturday and Sunday. While the Big Island of Hawaii would
likely be first to experience impacts, do not focus on the exact
forecast track or intensity of Lala at this time, and be prepared for
changes in future forecasts.
Damaging tropical storm force winds may begin as early as Friday night
across parts of the Big Island of Hawaii and could spread westward to
the rest of the state Saturday and Sunday. It is important to note
that the mountainous terrain of the islands can produce localized
areas of highly enhanced and damaging winds, even well away from the
tropical cyclone center.
Flooding rain will be possible as early as Friday night on the Big
Island of Hawaii. The threat of flooding will spread to the rest of
the state on Saturday and Sunday, and heavy rainfall could persist
into Monday for some islands, mainly over the western end of the
island chain. Preliminary storm total rainfall amounts are in the 5 to
10 inch range, with the potential for isolated locations to receive as
much as 20 inches. While the highest rainfall amounts will be focused
over windward areas, leeward areas will also have a significant flood
risk.
Large swells generated by Lala will build late Friday and produce
dangerous surf along exposed east and southeast shores, especially on
the Big Island of Hawaii and Maui. Very large and extremely rough seas
are expected to rapidly increase Saturday and Sunday on exposed
southeast and east shores and may produce damaging surf, significant
beach erosion, and overwash across vulnerable coastal infrastructure.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------
* WIND:
Prepare for dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across
the Big Island of Hawaii. Potential impacts in this area include:
- Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage
to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings
experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile
homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight
objects become dangerous projectiles.
- Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater
numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several
fences and roadway signs blown over.
- Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access
routes impassable.
- Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent
in areas with above ground lines.
Also, prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts
elsewhere in the state of Hawaii.
* SURGE:
Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts
across portions of the Big Island of Hawaii. Potential impacts in this area
include:
- Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along
immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas
farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore.
- Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspread
with surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places where
surge water covers the road.
- Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly
in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents.
- Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks,
and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings.
Elsewhere across the Hawaiian islands, little to no impact is
anticipated.
* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
devastating impacts across the Big Island of Hawaii. Potential
impacts include:
- Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations and
rescues.
- Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their banks
in many places with deep moving water. Small streams, creeks,
canals, arroyos, and ditches may become raging rivers. In
mountain areas, deadly runoff may rage down valleys while
increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood
control systems and barriers may become stressed.
- Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple
communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed
away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover escape
routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of raging water
with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become very
dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures with some weakened
or washed out.
Prepare for life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
limited to extensive impacts across the remainder of the state of
Hawaii.
* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across
the Big Island of Hawaii. Potential impacts include:
- The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution
of emergency plans during tropical events.
- A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power
and communications disruptions.
- Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys
toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned,
large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees
knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and small boats
pulled from moorings.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------
* EVACUATIONS:
Listen to local officials for recommended preparedness actions,
including possible evacuations. If ordered to evacuate, do so
immediately.
* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies
kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your
home or business.
When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the
exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging
wind gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes extend well away from the
center of the storm.
If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or
on a boat, plan to move to safe shelter.
If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as
near the ocean or a large inland lake, in a low-lying or poor
drainage area, in a valley, or near an already swollen river, plan to
move to safe shelter on higher ground.
Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with orders that
are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives of
others.
When securing your property, outside preparations should be concluded
as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of
strong gusty winds or flooding can cause certain preparedness
activities to become unsafe.
Be sure to let friends and family members know of your intentions for
weathering the storm and your whereabouts. Have someone located away
from the threatened area serve as your point of contact. Share vital
contact information with others. Keep cell phones handy and charged.
Check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who are
unable to make personal preparations.
If you are a visitor, know the name of the county or parish in which
you are located and where it is relative to current watches and
warnings. If staying at a hotel, ask the management staff about their
onsite disaster plan. Listen for evacuation orders, especially
pertaining to area visitors.
Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news
outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes
to the forecast.
* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org
- For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org
NEXT UPDATE
-----------
The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Honolulu HI around 11 AM HST, or sooner if conditions
warrant.