Tropical Storm Lala Approaching Hawaii: Everything You Need to Know (Explained Simply)

Published: Based on 11 p.m. Friday advisory
Source: Hawaii News Now / National Hurricane Center / National Weather Service

What’s Happening Right Now?

Imagine a giant spinning storm engine churning in the Pacific Ocean. That’s Tropical Storm Lala. Right now, it’s getting stronger and better organized — like a spinning top picking up speed.

The bottom line: Lala is expected to become a hurricane by Saturday morning as it approaches Hawaii Island (the Big Island). Conditions will start going downhill early Saturday.

IMPORTANT CALLOUT: FIRST ALERT WEATHER DAYS DECLARED

Saturday AND Sunday are officially First Alert Weather Days. This means the HNN Weather Team wants you to pay extra attention — dangerous weather is coming.

Where Is the Storm Going?

Think of a high-pressure system (a big dome of heavy air) sitting north of Hawaii like a traffic cop. It’s steering Lala west-northwest — basically toward the islands.

Current Position (as of 11 p.m. Friday)

• 165 miles from South Point (Big Island)
• 375 miles from Honolulu
• Moving at 13 mph toward the west-northwest

What Happens Next (Step by Step)

1. Saturday morning: Storm core passes near or over southern Big Island — hurricane conditions expected
2. Saturday daytime: Storm slows down a bit as it bumps into the Big Island’s mountains
3. Saturday night: Small turn toward northwest (steering winds weaken behind the island)
4. Sunday: Resumes west-northwest track, passing south of the smaller islands (Maui, Oahu, Kauai)

Heads up: The track could wiggle a little as the storm interacts with the Big Island’s terrain. Short-term deviations are possible.

Watches & Warnings: What Do They Mean?

Weather alerts have specific meanings. Here’s your cheat sheet:

HURRICANE WARNING — Hawaii Island Only

TROPICAL STORM WARNING — All Other Islands

FLOOD WATCH — Heavy Rain Alert

HIGH SURF WARNING — Dangerous Waves

• East-facing shores of: Hawaii Island, Maui, Molokai, Oahu
• Expires: 6 a.m. Sunday
• Danger: Life-threatening surf and rip currents

Storm Impacts: What Will You Feel?

Wind — The Invisible Bully

Mountain Warning: Winds on ridges, windward slopes, and leeward slopes can be 30% STRONGER than at sea level. Some high spots could see even worse gusts.

Rain — The Flood Maker

Steep terrain = extra danger. Water runs fast downhill. Mudslides can happen with little warning.

Storm Surge — The Rising Ocean

• What it is: Ocean water pushed inland by the storm’s winds + normal tide
• How high: 1–3 feet above ground level if peak surge hits at high tide
• Where worst: Immediate coastline — large, dangerous waves on top of rising water
• Timing matters: Surge flooding varies by exact timing of high tide vs. storm arrival

Surf — Stay Out of the Water!

• East-facing shores: Swells building through the weekend
• South-facing shores: Swells building as Lala passes south
• Result: Life-threatening surf and rip currents
• Rule: If in doubt, don’t go out.

Your Action Checklist (Numbered Steps)

1. TODAY (Friday): Finish all outdoor preparations — secure loose items, trim trees if time allows
2. TODAY: Stock 3+ days of water, food, meds, batteries, flashlights, cash
3. TODAY: Fill gas tanks, charge all devices, download offline maps
4. TODAY: Review evacuation zone — know if you’re in a surge/flood zone
5. TONIGHT: Bring in lanai furniture, trash cans, anything that flies
6. SATURDAY MORNING: STAY INDOORS — conditions deteriorate rapidly
7. SATURDAY-SUNDAY: Monitor official sources (HNN Weather App, NOAA Weather Radio)
8. AFTER STORM: Wait for "all clear" — hazards remain (downed lines, flooding, debris)

Stay Connected: Get Real-Time Alerts

Download the HNN Weather App for live updates from the First Alert Weather Team:

• Chief Meteorologist Jennifer Robbins
• Weather Anchors: Guy Hagi, Dan Cooke, Ben Gutierrez, Billy V

Summary: The Big Picture

FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered

1. What’s the difference between a "Watch" and a "Warning"?

Watch = Conditions possible (heads up, get ready)
Warning = Conditions expected (take action NOW)
Example: Hurricane Warning for Hawaii Island = hurricane winds ARE coming.

2. Why does the Big Island get a Hurricane Warning but Maui only gets Tropical Storm Warning?

The storm’s core (strongest winds) is forecast to hit the Big Island directly. By the time it reaches the smaller islands, the center passes south of them — so they get the weaker outer bands.

3. Should I evacuate?

Only if officials tell you to. Check if you’re in a:

• Storm surge zone (coastal)
• Flood zone (near streams, low-lying)
• Landslide zone (steep slopes)
  Listen to Civil Defense alerts — they know your neighborhood’s risks.

4. Can the storm change direction suddenly?

Yes. The Big Island’s massive mountains (Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa) can disrupt the storm’s steering. Short-term "wiggles" in the track are possible Saturday. That’s why you must stay updated — don’t rely on a single forecast from yesterday.

5. When will it be safe to go outside again?

Not until officials say so. Hazards after the storm include:

• Downed power lines (assume ALL lines are live)
• Flooded roads (6 inches of moving water knocks you down; 12 inches floats a car)
• Weakened trees/structures
• Contaminated water
  Wait for the official "all clear."

Stay safe, Hawaii. Look out for your neighbors. We’ll get through this together.
— Your HNN First Alert Weather Team

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Graphics courtesy National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service.