Tropical storm Lala begins to exit Hawaii, leaves over two lakh people without power

Tropical Storm Lala has begun to move away from the Hawaiian Islands, leaving behind a trail of flooding, strong winds, and extensive power outages. The storm's eye has pulled away from Kauai, signaling a gradual departure.

Across the islands, more than 200,000 customers are still without electricity. The Big Island has been particularly hard-hit, with nearly 70% of its residents experiencing power outages. Hurricane-force wind gusts were reported in Hawaii, Honolulu, and Maui counties, with mountainous terrain exacerbating wind speeds at higher elevations.

Governor Josh Green stated that at least 100 homes have been damaged or destroyed as a result of the storm. While one fatality was reported in a car accident, authorities have not yet confirmed if it is directly linked to Tropical Storm Lala. The storm's center was passing south of Kauai and Niihau with sustained winds of 65 miles per hour, moving west-northwest.

Tropical storm warnings remain in effect for Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, and Maui. Heavy rainfall continues, though it is becoming more sporadic as the storm's outer bands move through. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA) urged residents to exercise caution in damaged areas due to hazards like debris, contamination, and electrical risks. They advised people on Oahu and Kauai to stay in safe shelters until the storm's effects pass and to avoid unnecessary travel due to hazardous road conditions and limited visibility.

“

Do not travel unnecessarily, as roads will be hazardous and visibility limited. Get tips on emergency preparedness and be ready to operate without electricity if high winds cause power outages.