Hawaii’s Big Island braces for first hurricane hit in more than 150 years

Residents of Hawaii’s Big Island are preparing for a potentially historic weather event as Tropical Storm Lala is forecast to strengthen to hurricane intensity before approaching the island on Saturday, August 15.

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Hurricane Centre (NHC) said on Friday that Lala, currently a powerful tropical storm, is expected to reach hurricane strength as it nears the Big Island.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green described the storm as “enormous” and declared a state of emergency on Friday. The move is intended to ensure that the state and county governments “have sufficient resources to clear debris, secure infrastructure and take other measures to prepare.”

A hurricane warning is currently in effect for Hawaii County, which encompasses the Big Island. Maui, Molokai and Kahoolawe, located northwest of the Big Island, are under tropical storm warnings.

If Lala makes landfall as forecast, it would mark the first time the Big Island has been struck by a hurricane since 1871.

The storm is expected to bring powerful winds, heavy rainfall and dangerous surf, prompting authorities and residents to prepare for potentially severe conditions.

Emergency shelters have already been established, while residents have been urged to remain vigilant and move themselves and their families to safe locations before conditions deteriorate and travel becomes difficult or impossible.

By Tamilla Hasanova