Tropical Storm Lala forms, Hurricane Watch issued for the Big Island of Hawaiʻi

Tropical Storm Lala has officially formed prompting the issuance of a Hurricane Watch for the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. A Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area. A watch is typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous.

At 5 a.m. HST, the center of Tropical Storm Lala was located about 705 miles east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaiʻi, near latitude 15.2 North, longitude 145.5 West. Lala is moving toward the west near 10 mph. A westward to west-northwestward motion is expected during the next several days.

“On the forecast track, Lala is expected to be near or just south of the Big Island on Saturday, and pass south of the smaller islands during the remainder of the weekend,” according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.

Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph with higher gusts. Steady strengthening is forecast, and Lala could be near hurricane strength as it approaches the Big Island, according to the latest CPHC forecast.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles from the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 1001 mb (29.56 inches).

WIND: Hurricane conditions are possible in the Big Island of Hawaii by early Saturday. Wind speeds atop and on the windward sides of hills and mountains are often up to 30 percent stronger than the near-surface winds indicated in this advisory, and in some elevated locations could be even greater.

RAINFALL: Tropical Storm Lala is expected to produce rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches across much of the Island chain, with maximum totals of 20 inches possible. This rainfall may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.

STORM SURGE: The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. The water could reach the following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide… Hawaii…1 to 3 ft The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast, where the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves. Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances.

SURF: Swells generated by Lala are expected to reach the east-facing shores of the state on Friday, spreading westward and building through the weekend. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.

Previous post: (11 p.m. update Aug. 12, 2026)

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Potential Tropical Cyclone One-C, located about 775 miles east-southeast of Hilo, Hawai’i. The disturbance is forecast to become a tropical storm by Thursday night, and additional strengthening is forecast thereafter.

The potential tropical storm is expected to strengthen before approaching the Hawaiian Islands starting late Friday. The formation chance through 48 hours remains high at 90%. A Tropical Storm is defined as a system with wind speeds of between 39 and 73 mph.

County of Maui officials are encouraging residents to prepare ahead of time. A Hurricane or Tropical Storm Watch will likely be required for a portion of the state by early Thursday, according to the CPHC.

The disturbance was last centered near latitude 14.8 North, longitude 144.5 West. The system is moving toward the west near 10 mph, and a turn toward the west-northwest is expected today.

“On the forecast track, the center will be nearing the Hawaiian Islands by late Friday. Recent satellite wind data indicate that maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph with higher gusts. However, the system still lacks sufficient organized shower and thunderstorm activity to be considered a tropical storm,” according to an 11 p.m. update on Wednesday.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 275 miles mainly to the northeast of the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 1002 mb (29.59 inches).

WIND: There is an increasing risk of wind impacts in the Hawaiian Islands regardless of the exact track of this system.
RAINFALL: The Potential Tropical Cyclone is expected to produce rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches across much of the Island chain, with maximum totals of 20 inches possible. This rainfall may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.
SURF: Swells generated by the disturbance are expected to reach the east-facing shores of the state on Friday, spreading westward and building through the weekend. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.

The next complete advisory will be issued at 5 a.m. HST.