Hawaii in state of emergency as monster 75mph Hurricane Lala set to smash Big Island in first direct hit for 155 years

HAWAII is bracing for what has the potential to be its first hurricane in 155 years as a Tropical Storm gains strength in the region. Big Island was threatened on Saturday with the first possible direct hit as storm Lala roared across the Pacific Ocean, pounding the area with gusty winds, heavy waves, and biblical rain. Hurricane Lala threatens to bring Hawaii’s first hurricane in 155 years Credit: AP Officials say locals should shelter in place Credit: Reuters An official hurricane warning has now been put in effect for Big Island, while Maui County, Oahu, Kauai and Niihau are under a tropical storm warnings. The National Hurricane Centre said Lala’s maximum sustained winds increased to 75 mph by mid-day on Big Island, making it a Category 1 hurricane. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! In a worst-case scenario, 63cm of rain could lash on the island and produce a 3ft storm surge. Officials warn of the risk of life-threatening mudslides in a mountainous area where people live off the grid in improvised housing. This satellite image released by NOAA shows Tropical Storm Lala over the Pacific Ocean Credit: AP Waikiki Beach on Oahu Island Credit: AFP The National Weather Service (NWS) said: “Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues.” Governor Josh Green has issued a warning for people to shelter in place. Green warns residents to prepare themselves for “an incredible amount of water”. He said on X: “Damaging winds, heavy rain, flash flooding and dangerous surf are possible across the state through the weekend.” Most read in The Sun Residents fill their cars with gas as a precaution Credit: AFP Sandbags were prepared ahead of Tropical Storm Lala Credit: AP Shelters have opened, events are cancelled, flights are grounded, and ranchers are urged to leave cattle in pastures. Hawaii County’s Civil Defense Agency said public shelters are available in every county on Big Island. Electricity was knocked out for nearly 20% of customers on the Big Island, according to poweroutage.us. The enormous storm could be capable of destructive flooding and even has the possibility of producing wildfires kicked up by strong winds across the island chain. The cloud wall is forecast to move over or near the island’s southern end by the evening, lashing its worst winds at volcanic slopes thousands of feet above sea level. Mike Caputo, who lives in Keaau, near the Big Island’s east coast, fears flash flooding. He readied his power generator and checked his 10,000-gallon water tank, in preparation for the extreme weather. Bobby Camara, a 75-year-old lifelong resident, said he planned to hunker down and cross his fingers. He said gas stations were busy as people sought fuel for chain saws and vehicles. Over the weekend, Lala will continue moving westwards, and is hoped to weaken into a tropical storm as it passes Hawaii’s other islands. Comment now