Hawaii braces for possible cyclone week after Hurricane Lala

Hawaii faces the threat of another tropical cyclone, with a new system gaining strength over the Pacific just as communities are still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Lala. The hurricane, which caused significant damage including tearing roofs off houses and leaving many without electricity, has been blamed for two deaths.

Forecasters warn that a tropical depression located southeast of the islands could develop into a tropical storm and potentially impact the Big Island over the weekend or early next week. This new system could bring up to 15 inches of rain, leading to life-threatening flooding, mudslides, and dangerous rip currents.

Meanwhile, recovery from Hurricane Lala continues. Thousands of homes and businesses remain without power, and Hawaiian Electric estimates that power restoration in hard-hit areas could take at least two weeks. Governor Josh Green is scheduled to hold a news conference to discuss preparations for the approaching system and ongoing recovery efforts. Lala, the first major hurricane of 2026 in the Central Pacific, also impacted remote areas of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.

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She taught grandkids of her students. She was a fixture in this community.