Hawaii Begins Cleanup After Hurricane Lala as New Threats Loom in the Pacific

Hawaii has started the cleanup process following the impact of Hurricane Lala, while weather experts monitor two new potential storm developments in the Pacific. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that one disturbance may form south of Mexico within a week, and another low-pressure area might emerge southeast of Hawaii.

Hurricane Lala, now downgraded to a tropical storm, continues moving westward away from Hawaii, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph. Meteorologists suggest Lala could regain hurricane strength while remaining over open water. The Atlantic hurricane season remains quiet this year, contrasting with the active storm activity in the Pacific.

Hurricane Lala tracked close to the Hawaiian Islands, causing strong winds, heavy rain, floods, and landslides, though it did not make landfall. The severity of the storm led to closures of state and county offices, along with schools and courts across Hawaii. Governor Josh Green and U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono communicated their support and commitment to recovery and federal aid efforts.

“Due to the severe impacts of Hurricane Lala, all state and county offices, Hawaiʻi State Department of Education schools, public charter schools, courts and Judiciary offices statewide will be closed Monday, August 17,” Governor Josh Green posted.

The NWS reported some regions received significant rainfall, with Laupahoehoe experiencing over 43 inches.

The potential development south of Mexico is expected to form a tropical depression by the weekend, with a 70% chance of development. Meanwhile, the second disturbance, with a 50% chance of forming, could develop late in the week as it moves into the central Pacific. This system is closely monitored due to its possible trajectory toward Hawaii, though direct impacts are still uncertain.

Lala’s diminishing threat continues as the storm moves further west from Hawaii. Despite the chance of restrengthening, it is forecasted to remain over open waters. Lala is notable for becoming only the fifth hurricane to pass within 70 miles of the Big Island since 1957. It highlighted Hawaii’s vulnerability to close-by tropical cyclones.

With Hawaii in recovery mode and new systems forming, residents and officials remain on alert, ready to respond should new threats arise in this active hurricane season.