Over 40,000 face 'life-threatening' conditions without power as Hurricane Lala approaches Hawaii

Hurricane Lala is bearing down on Hawaii, bringing powerful winds and torrential rain, prompting warnings of "life-threatening" conditions. As the storm approaches, more than 40,000 utility customers have lost power across the state, with the Big Island and Maui County experiencing the most significant outages.

The National Hurricane Center forecasts heavy rainfall, potentially reaching up to 25 inches on the Big Island, raising concerns about dangerous flooding and mudslides, especially in steep terrain. Hawaiian Electric has cautioned customers to prepare for extended power outages, possibly lasting overnight.

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This rainfall will produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.

Utility crews are working to assess damage to transmission lines caused by fallen trees. In response to the impending storm, the Hawaii Department of Transportation has announced the closure of Hilo International Airport and will close Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole. Commercial ports across Hawaii Island, Maui County, and Kaua‘i are also being shut down.

Lala has strengthened to a Category 1 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds reaching 75 mph. Wind gusts exceeding 100 mph have already been recorded on the Big Island's tallest peak, Maunakea.

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On the Hamakua Coast on the Big Island, utility crews were assessing a 42-mile span of transmission lines after fallen trees knocked down multiple poles and structures.