Hawaii braces for direct hit from Tropical Storm Lala

Storm expected to strengthen to hurricane as state of emergency declared amid danger of ‘life-threatening’ floods

Tropical Storm Lala is set to hit Hawaii’s Big Island with hurricane force in a matter of hours, bringing dangerous winds, heavy rainfall and high surf in a sign of what a strengthening “super” El Niño in the Pacific may bring.

The tropical storm is currently about 420 miles (675km) south-east of Hilo on the archipelago’s largest island, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa) said in its latest advisory, packing winds of 60mph (97km/h). Lala is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane as it approaches the Big Island.

Hurricane warnings have been issued for Hawaii county, which covers the Big Island, and a tropical storm warnings for the island of Maui, Molokai and Kahoolawe to its north-west.

Rainfall totals of 8-12in are predicted across Maui and the Big Island, with up to 25in in certain pockets. A storm surge of 1-3ft is also forecast as the storm comes ashore on Saturday.

Noaa’s Weather Prediction Center said Hawaii “faces life-threatening flash floods and mudslides as Tropical Storm Lala approaches”.

“Tropical Storm Lala poses a serious threat to our state, particularly Hawaii Island – and we are taking action now to ensure resources are available where they are needed,” Green said .

“Our state and county emergency teams are coordinating closely with federal partners. I urge everyone to secure their homes, gather essential supplies, review their family emergency plans and follow updates from trusted official sources. Please take this storm seriously and look out for one another.”

Residents have been advised to clear gutters and drains and move valuables off the ground, seal gaps in doors and remove tree limbs that threaten their properties.

“Stay away from beaches and coastal areas where rough surf and rip currents could sweep you away,” Hawaii’s emergency management agency said.

On Friday, flood watches were in effect for the islands of Kauai, Niihau and Oahu from Saturday evening through Sunday night, and for the islands of Lanai, Molokai, Kahoolawe, Maui and Hawaii from Friday through Saturday night.

Hawaii was last hit by a “major” hurricane in 1992, when Hurricane Iniki caused at least six deaths and billions of dollars in damage.

If Lala’s center moves over the Big Island, it will be the first direct strike of a tropical cyclone for the island since Tropical Storm Darby in 2016. Two years earlier, the more powerful Tropical Storm Iselle caused widespread wind damage and power outages throughout the island, reported the Honolulu Star-Advertiser .

Hawaii county’s mayor, Kimo Alameda, said residents should brace for possible damaging winds, flooding rain, high surf, power outages, loss of communications and road closures.