HAWAII — Life-threatening flooding is possible from Tropical Storm Lala as the system gets closer to hurricane strength while nearing the islands. Rainfall is beginning to spread across the region this evening and into the overnight hours, with several inches of rain expected across the islands while higher elevations of Hawaii County could receive up to 2 feet, resulting in life-threatening flooding and mudslides.

Hawaii County Faces Isolated Totals Up to Twenty Five Inches

The Weather Prediction Center’s rainfall forecast highlights an isolated maximum of 25 inches over the Big Island of Hawaii, with a concentrated red-shaded core representing the highest confidence area for these extreme totals centered over the island’s higher elevations.

This corresponds to the roughly 2 feet of rain forecasters warned could fall across Hawaii County, a staggering amount capable of producing significant flooding and dangerous mudslides across the island’s terrain.

Kauai and Remaining Islands Face Isolated Totals Up to Eight Inches

While Hawaii County faces the most extreme totals, Kauai and the broader chain of islands, including Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, and Maui, are forecast to see isolated totals up to 8 inches. This still represents a significant rainfall event capable of producing flooding impacts across the smaller islands.

The broader forecast area shows widespread totals of 2 to 6 inches across most of the island chain, with the rainfall becoming more concentrated and severe moving southeast toward the Big Island.

Rainfall Already Spreading Across Region Thursday Evening

Rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Lala is beginning to spread across the region this evening and into the overnight hours local time, meaning impacts are already underway or imminent as the system continues approaching the islands.

This timing means residents across Hawaii should prepare for rapidly evolving conditions overnight as the storm’s rain bands continue moving through, with the heaviest impacts expected to be concentrated over Hawaii County’s higher elevations.

Storm Nearing Hurricane Strength as It Approaches Islands

Lala is getting closer to hurricane strength as it nears the islands, adding to the overall concern beyond just the rainfall threat. This intensification trend means wind impacts could also become a growing factor as the storm continues its approach toward Hawaii.

Residents throughout the Hawaiian Islands, particularly in Hawaii County, are urged to prepare for life-threatening flooding and mudslides, with the Weather Prediction Center’s forecast valid through August 17 as the situation continues to be monitored closely.