United States Severe Weather Brings Tropical Storm Lala to Hawaii With Hurricane Warnings
United States severe weather is affecting multiple regions, with Tropical Storm Lala strengthening toward Hawaii while separate alerts address flooding in Indiana and a severe thunderstorm in southern California and Nevada.
Tropical Storm Lala Approaches Hawaii
Tropical Storm Lala is forecast to intensify into a Category 1 hurricane before nearing Hawaii Island, with damaging hurricane-force winds expected on the Big Island later on Saturday and tropical storm-force winds already beginning. [3] The National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane warning for the Big Island. [3] Tropical Storm Lala was already whipping and soaking Hawaii's Big Island early Saturday, and was expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it approaches land. [4] The National Hurricane Center issued a rare hurricane warning for the island. [4] Tropical Storm Lala is expected to strengthen to a hurricane before reaching Hawaii's Big Island this weekend, forecasters said Friday, bringing heavy rains that can cause destructive flooding and strong winds that can fuel wildfires. [5] “Tropical Storm Lala is approaching Hawaii and is forecast to strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane before nearing Hawaii Island on Saturday,” Governor Josh Green said in a video message posted on Friday. [3] “Damaging winds, heavy rain, flash flooding and dangerous surf are possible across the state through the weekend.” [3] “Damaging hurricane-force winds are expected on the Big Island of Hawaii later today,” the US National Hurricane Center said in its latest advisory at 15:00 GMT. [3] “Tropical storm-force winds are already beginning.” [3]
Heavy Rainfall and Flooding Risks
Tropical Storm Lala brings heavy rain and strong winds to Hawaii's Big Island. — Source: newsmax Forecast rainfall includes 8 to 12 inches across Maui and lower elevations of the Big Island, up to 25 inches in higher elevations of the Big Island, and 4 to 6 inches across the rest of the Hawaiian island chain, raising risks of flooding, mudslides, downed power lines, and toppled trees. [3] The centre has predicted 20.3 to 30.5 centimetres (8 to 12 inches) of rainfall across Maui and the lower elevations of the Big Island. [3] The rest of the island chain is bracing for 10.2 to 15.2 centimetres (4 to 6 inches) of precipitation. [3] Higher elevations on the Big Island could see as much as 63.5 centimetres (25 inches). [3] Such heavy rainfall could trigger mudslides, as well as downed power lines, toppled trees and other hazards. [3] Tropical Storm Lala is expected to strengthen to a hurricane before reaching Hawaii's Big Island this weekend, forecasters said Friday, bringing heavy rains that can cause destructive flooding and strong winds that can fuel wildfires. [5]
Official Warnings and Preparations
A Flood Warning is in effect until 7:00 PM EDT for Fountain County, northwestern Vermillion County, and Warren County in west central Indiana due to excessive rainfall of 1.5 to 3.75 inches, with flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and low-lying areas imminent or occurring. [1] At 346 PM EDT, Flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. [1] Between 1.5 and 3.75 inches of rain have fallen. [1] A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is in effect until 1:30 PM PDT for San Bernardino County in southern California and west central Clark County in southern Nevada, with a storm near Sandy Valley producing 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail capable of damaging vehicles, roofs, and siding. [2] At 1245 PM PDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Sandy Valley, or 18 miles west of Jean, moving northeast at 15 mph. [2] Hazard includes 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. [2] Impact includes hail damage to vehicles expected along with wind damage to roofs and siding. [2] Authorities in the United States have warned that the storm could prompt flooding and other hazardous conditions, and they urged residents to exercise caution. [3] “I am asking everyone to finish your preparations today,” Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said on Friday. [3] “Don’t wait for the weather to deteriorate.” [3] Ahead of the storm’s landfall, officials encouraged residents to take shelter and not venture out into the elements. [3]
Historical Context for Hawaiian Storms
The last major hurricane to hit Hawaii was Hurricane Iniki in 1992, and the Big Island has not experienced a direct hurricane landfall in 155 years; officials are urging residents to complete preparations and take shelter. [3] The National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane warning for the Big Island, which has not suffered a direct hurricane landfall in 155 years. [3] The last major hurricane to hit Hawaii was in 1992, when Hurricane Iniki struck the island of Kauai, causing six deaths and billions of dollars worth of damage. [3] Hurricanes in the Pacific Ocean are not uncommon, but landfall in Hawaii is relatively rare, given the relatively small size of the islands and climate patterns in the surrounding ocean. [3]
Severe Weather Alerts in the Mainland United States
A Flood Warning is in effect until 7:00 PM EDT for Fountain County, northwestern Vermillion County, and Warren County in west central Indiana due to excessive rainfall of 1.5 to 3.75 inches, with flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and low-lying areas imminent or occurring. [1] Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring. [1] A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is in effect until 1:30 PM PDT for San Bernardino County in southern California and west central Clark County in southern Nevada, with a storm near Sandy Valley producing 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail capable of damaging vehicles, roofs, and siding. [2] The National Weather Service in Las Vegas has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for San Bernardino County in southern California and West Central Clark County in southern Nevada. [2]
Broader Weather Outlook
Saturday’s storm comes as scientists expect a powerful El Nino to bring extreme weather across the western US in the coming months. [3] El Nino, a global climate phenomenon, is caused when surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become warmer than usual, creating conditions for more extreme storms. [3]
What to watch next: Tropical Storm Lala is forecast to strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane before nearing Hawaii Island on Saturday, with damaging hurricane-force winds expected on the Big Island later today.
