Hurricane watch issued for Hawaii’s Big Island

Authorities announced that Tropical Storm Lala has the potential to reach hurricane strength by early Saturday as it approaches the Big Island of Hawaii. The island was issued a hurricane watch, as strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges are forecasted to come with the storm.

Meteorologists have forecasted up to 20 inches of rain on some parts of the island, which could lead to life-threatening mudslides and flooding. Heavy rainfall and dangerous waves associated with the storm are expected to reach the island by Friday, officials warned. Swells are expected to cause deadly surf and rip currents, and a storm surge combined with the tide could also lead to sudden flooding, officials said. Meteorologists forecasted the highest flooding for the Big Island, with depths of up to 3 feet, but depths of up to 2 feet were also forecast for Maui, O’ahu, and Kaua’i. The National Hurricane Center also warned the smaller Hawaiian islands to monitor Lala’s progress, as storm watches could be issued Thursday or Friday.

Officials noted that it is a rare occurrence for hurricanes to make landfall in Hawaii, as the water temperature surrounding the islands is usually too cold for optimal conditions to be present. However, during El Niño years, the chance of one reaching the islands is much higher, as the system provides both warmer water and winds that can trap the storms. According to the Weather Channel, this year is a rare super El Niño year, and could become one of the strongest on record. The National Weather Service released a warning on Thursday of a greater than 90% chance of a very strong event during the Northern Hemisphere fall and winter as the super El Niño continues to strengthen.