Hawaii Hit by Tropical Storm Lala, One Fatality, 200,000 Homes Without Power

Hurricane Lala weakened to a tropical storm on Sunday after skirting the Big Island, but the island still endured hurricane‑force gusts and heavy rain. Nearly three feet of precipitation fell on the higher windward slopes, turning rivers into raging torrents and raising the threat of mudslides. Governor Josh Green reported that at least one person died in a car accident in the South Point area, where more than 100 homes were destroyed. Across Hawaii’s three largest islands, the utility tracker PowerOutage, Inc. logged over 200,000 homes and businesses without power, and at least three hospitals were operating on generator power. Green also noted that 19 roofs were lost during the storm.

The damage from Lala’s passage underscores the vulnerability of the islands to tropical cyclones even when they miss a direct hit. Recovery efforts are underway, with emergency crews assessing flood damage and restoring power to critical facilities. Authorities are monitoring river levels and potential landslides as the heavy rains continue to drain, while the state prepares for the next phase of post‑storm cleanup and rebuilding.