Tropical Storm Lala Threatens Hawaii
Updated August 13, 2026: Hawaii is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Lala as the system moves westward across the central Pacific toward the Hawaiian Islands. Forecasters say the storm could strengthen significantly before reaching the Big Island this weekend, bringing the risk of heavy rainfall, strong winds, dangerous surf, coastal flooding and potentially life-threatening flooding.
Tropical Storm Lala Is Heading Toward Hawaii
Tropical Storm Lala has officially formed in the central Pacific and is moving west toward the Hawaiian Islands. As of Thursday morning, August 13, the storm was located about 705 miles east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii, with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph and stronger gusts. Lala was moving west at roughly 10 mph. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
The latest forecast from the Central Pacific Hurricane Center indicates that Lala could be near or just south of the Big Island on Saturday before continuing south of the smaller Hawaiian Islands through the rest of the weekend. Because the exact track can still change, forecasters are warning residents and visitors to closely monitor official updates. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Hurricane Watch Issued for the Big Island
A Hurricane Watch has been issued for Hawaii County, commonly known as the Big Island. A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible within the designated area and preparations should be completed before conditions deteriorate. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
The National Weather Service Honolulu office is currently displaying a hurricane watch among its active Hawaii weather hazards, reflecting the growing concern over tropical weather impacts across the islands. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Importantly, a hurricane watch does not mean that the Big Island will definitely experience hurricane-force winds. It means that the possibility is significant enough that residents should prepare before the storm's arrival.
Could Tropical Storm Lala Become a Hurricane?
Forecasters expect Lala to strengthen as it approaches Hawaii. The latest forecast says the storm could be near hurricane strength when it reaches the vicinity of the Big Island. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
That forecast does not guarantee that Lala will become a hurricane before reaching Hawaii. Tropical cyclones can strengthen or weaken quickly as atmospheric conditions and ocean temperatures change. The final intensity will depend on the storm's track and the environment it encounters during the next several days.
For that reason, residents should focus on the official watches, warnings and local forecasts rather than relying only on the storm's current classification.
Heavy Rain Could Be a Major Threat
One of the most serious concerns is rainfall. The current forecast calls for 5 to 10 inches of rain across much of the Hawaiian island chain, with maximum totals potentially reaching 20 inches. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Such rainfall can create dangerous conditions, particularly across the steep and mountainous terrain found throughout Hawaii. Rapid runoff can overwhelm streams and drainage systems, while saturated slopes can become unstable.
Forecasters specifically warn that the rainfall could lead to life-threatening flooding and mudslides. Residents in flood-prone locations should pay close attention to local emergency instructions as the storm approaches. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Strong Winds May Affect Hawaii
Lala's current maximum sustained winds are around 40 mph, but strengthening is expected. Tropical-storm-force winds currently extend outward up to approximately 140 miles from the center. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Mountainous areas can experience significantly stronger winds than exposed locations at lower elevations. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center notes that winds on top of and on the windward sides of Hawaii's hills and mountains can be substantially stronger than near-surface winds. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Strong winds can bring down trees and branches, damage vulnerable structures, disrupt electricity and make driving conditions dangerous, especially when combined with intense rainfall.
Dangerous Surf and Rip Currents Expected
Another major concern is the ocean. Swells generated by Lala are expected to reach east-facing shores on Friday and spread westward while building through the weekend. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
These conditions could produce life-threatening surf and rip currents. Beachgoers, surfers, boaters and other ocean users should avoid entering dangerous water conditions and follow local beach and marine advisories. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Coastal Flooding Is Also Possible
Storm surge combined with high tides can cause normally dry coastal areas to flood as seawater moves inland. The current forecast indicates potential surge-related water levels of around 1 to 3 feet above ground in parts of Hawaii, although the actual level will vary depending on the storm's track, tide cycle and local geography. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
The most significant coastal impacts are expected near shorelines where storm surge coincides with large waves. Communities along exposed coastal areas should therefore monitor local warnings as the weekend approaches.
Hawaii Weather Forecast: What to Expect
The weather pattern across Hawaii is expected to become increasingly unsettled as Lala approaches. The first noticeable impacts are expected to begin late Friday, with conditions potentially becoming more dangerous over the weekend. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
The Big Island is currently the primary focus because of its proximity to the forecast track. However, the storm is expected to move near or south of other Hawaiian Islands later in the weekend, meaning impacts could extend beyond Hawaii County. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Even areas that do not receive the strongest winds can experience heavy rainfall, large surf, dangerous rip currents or localized flooding. Therefore, residents across the island chain should not assume that only the Big Island can be affected.
Why the Exact Track Matters
Tropical cyclone forecasts become more reliable as a storm gets closer, but relatively small changes in the track can produce major differences in local impacts. A shift in Lala's projected path could change which parts of Hawaii experience the strongest winds, heaviest rainfall and largest waves.
ABC News reported that the timing and intensity of Hawaii's impacts remain uncertain and will depend on Lala's exact track. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
That uncertainty is especially important for mountainous Hawaii, where rainfall can vary sharply over short distances because of local terrain. Residents should therefore use local National Weather Service forecasts rather than relying on one storm-track graphic or a single forecast model.
What Residents and Visitors Should Do
With a hurricane watch now in effect for the Big Island, preparations should be completed before hazardous weather arrives. Residents can review emergency plans, secure loose outdoor objects, charge essential devices and make sure they have access to food, water and necessary medications.
People living in areas vulnerable to flooding or landslides should know where they would go if evacuation becomes necessary. Travelers should also monitor airport, ferry and transportation updates because severe weather can cause delays or cancellations.
Most importantly, residents should follow instructions from Hawaii County, state emergency officials and the National Weather Service if watches or warnings are upgraded.
Is Hawaii Facing a Hurricane Right Now?
As of the latest August 13, 2026 information, Tropical Storm Lala is not yet a hurricane. It has maximum sustained winds of about 40 mph, but forecasters expect additional strengthening and say the storm could approach hurricane strength near the Big Island. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
The most immediate concern is therefore not simply the storm's category. Heavy rain, flooding, landslides, dangerous surf, strong winds and coastal flooding can all threaten communities even before a tropical cyclone reaches hurricane strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a tropical storm near Hawaii?
Yes. Tropical Storm Lala is moving westward toward the Hawaiian Islands and is forecast to approach the Big Island this weekend. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
Is Hawaii under a hurricane watch?
Yes. A hurricane watch is currently in effect for Hawaii County, including the Big Island. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
Could Tropical Storm Lala become a hurricane?
Forecasters say Lala could be near hurricane strength as it approaches the Big Island, although the final intensity remains uncertain. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
When will Tropical Storm Lala reach Hawaii?
The current forecast indicates that Lala could be near or just south of the Big Island on Saturday, with impacts continuing across portions of the island chain during the weekend. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
How much rain could Hawaii receive?
Current forecasts call for approximately 5 to 10 inches of rainfall across much of the island chain, with isolated maximum totals potentially reaching 20 inches. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
Is Hawaii's weather safe for beach activities this weekend?
Dangerous surf and rip currents are expected as Lala's swells spread across Hawaii. Anyone planning ocean activities should monitor local surf forecasts and heed beach safety warnings. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
Bottom Line
Hawaii is facing a significant tropical weather threat as Tropical Storm Lala moves toward the islands. The Big Island is currently under a hurricane watch, and forecasters expect the storm to strengthen as it approaches. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
The biggest risks include heavy rainfall, life-threatening flooding, mudslides, strong winds, dangerous surf, rip currents and coastal flooding. The exact severity will depend on Lala's final track and intensity. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
For the latest information, residents and visitors should rely on official updates from the National Weather Service Honolulu, the Central Pacific Hurricane Center and local Hawaii emergency-management authorities.
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