Hurricane Local Statement
207
WTHW80 PHFO 161810
HLSHFO
HIZ001-003-004-006-007-009>011-015>018-022-023-026>054-170215-
Tropical Storm Lala Local Statement Intermediate Advisory Number 17A
National Weather Service Honolulu HI CP012026
810 AM HST Sun Aug 16 2026
This product covers the Hawaiian islands
**HEAVY RAINFALL AND GUSTY WINDS SPREADING OVER OAHU AND KAUAI**
NEW INFORMATION
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* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- The Tropical Storm Warning has been cancelled 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 Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Central Oahu, East
Honolulu, Ewa Plain, Haleakala Summit, Honolulu Metro,
Kahoolawe, Kauai East, Kauai Mountains, Kauai North, Kauai
South, Kauai Southwest, Kipahulu, Koolau Leeward, Koolau
Windward, Lanai Leeward, Lanai Mauka, Lanai South, Lanai
Windward, Maui Central Valley North, Maui Central Valley South,
Maui Leeward West, Maui Windward West, Molokai Leeward South,
Molokai North, Molokai Southeast, Molokai West, Molokai
Windward, Niihau, Oahu North Shore, Olomana, South Haleakala,
South Maui/Upcountry, Waianae Coast, Waianae Mountains, and
Windward Haleakala
* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 70 miles southwest of Honolulu
- 20.7N 158.8W
- Storm Intensity 65 mph
- Movement Northwest or 305 degrees at 14 mph
SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------
Tropical Storm Lala continues to bring damaging winds, heavy rainfall
leading to flash flooding, and high surf to portions of the state.
Heavy rain associated with the tropical storm has spread into Oahu and
is expected to reach Kauai later this morning. Rain rates have
decreased across the Big Island. The center of Tropical Storm Lala is
now located south of Oahu and will continue generally westward as it
tracks south of the island chain today. Tropical Storm Warnings remain
in effect for Maui County, Oahu, Kauai County and surrounding coastal
waters. The Tropical Storm Warning for the Big Island and surrounding
waters has been canceled. Even though the Tropical Storm Warning for
the Big Island has been canceled, winds will remain elevated over the
summits for the next several hours. Impacts can extend well beyond the
center of the tropical storm, so do not focus on the exact forecast
track or intensity of Lala.
Over the past 3 hours the heaviest rainfall associated with Tropical
Storm Lala occurred over the islands of Lanai and Molokai and is now
impacting Oahu. For the Big Island and Maui, rainfall rates have
generally decreased to one inch per hour or less but saturated soil
from receiving 15 to 35 inches over the last 24 hours will keep the
flood threat elevated. The threat for flooding will spread to Kauai
and Niihau this morning. Heavy rainfall may persist into Monday for
some areas, mainly over the western end of the island chain. Lala is
expected to produce additional rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches across
the Big Island with 4 to 6 additional inches of rain for the smaller
islands. Locally higher amounts are possible. While the highest
rainfall amounts will be focused over windward areas and higher
terrain, leeward areas will also have a significant flood risk.
Sustained winds are generally 30 to 40 mph, with isolated mountain and
downslope locations, particularly on Molokai and Oahu, experiencing
gusts of 60 to 75 mph. Tropical storm conditions, with sustained winds
over 39 mph, are still expected across the state through this evening.
It is very important to note that the mountainous terrain of the
islands will likely produce localized areas of highly enhanced and
damaging winds, even well away from the tropical cyclone center.
East swell generated by Lala will remain elevated this morning,
decreasing from east to west this afternoon and evening. Some increase
in surf is also possible along exposed south-facing shores today
between Maui and Kauai as Lala continues westward. Significant beach
erosion and overwash are still possible across vulnerable coastal
infrastructure.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------
* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across
Maui County, Oahu, and Kauai. Remain well sheltered from dangerous
wind having additional significant impacts. If realized, these
impacts 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.
Potential impacts from the main wind event are also now unfolding
across the Big Island. Remain well sheltered from hazardous wind
having additional limited impacts.
* SURGE:
Potential impacts from the main surge event are now unfolding across
Oahu and Kauai. Remain well away from locally hazardous surge having
possible limited impacts. If realized, these impacts 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:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across
the Big Island of Hawaii, Maui County, and Oahu. Remain well guarded
against dangerous flood waters having additional significant impacts.
If realized, these impacts include:
- Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and
rescues.
- Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter
currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially
in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals,
arroyos, and ditches overflow.
- Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations.
Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid
inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage
areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as
storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions
become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures.
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across
the rest of the state. Remain well guarded against locally hazardous
flood waters having additional limited impacts.
* TORNADOES:
Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across Maui
County, Oahu, and Kauai. Remain well braced against a tornado event
having possible limited impacts. If realized, these 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.
Elsewhere across the Hawaiian islands, little to no impact is
anticipated.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------
* EVACUATIONS:
Follow the advice of local officials
* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to stay inside and away from windows. Listen for
updates and be ready in case you lose electrical power. Keep a
battery-powered radio, charged cell phone and flashlight handy.
During the peak of the storm be ready to move quickly. Keep your
shoes on and rain gear handy. Boots and athletic shoes offer the best
foot protection if you become unexpectedly exposed to the weather.
Keep your cell phone charged and in power-saving mode. If you lose
power, use it sparingly and mainly for personal emergencies and
check-ins.
Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or
videos.
Quickly move to the safest place within your shelter if it begins to
fail, preferably an interior room on the lowest floor as long as
flooding is not a concern.
If you are prone to flooding, be prepared for the possibility of a
quick and dramatic rise in water levels.
* 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
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The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Honolulu HI around 11 AM HST, or sooner if conditions
warrant.