Hawaii is bracing for a potential hurricane strike this weekend after Tropical Storm Lala’s forecast track shifted north, bringing the strengthening storm - and its heavy rain, damaging winds and dangerous surf - close to the Big Island.
A hurricane warning is now in effect for Hawaii County, meaning hurricane conditions are expected somewhere on the Big Island by this weekend. A tropical storm watch was also issued for Maui County, including Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe.
Lala’s sustained winds increased to 60 mph Thursday evening as the storm moved west-northwest about 555 miles east-southeast of Hilo, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The latest forecast takes Lala near the Big Island on Saturday, raising the possibility of a rare hurricane landfall there. Even a slight shift in its path could determine whether the storm’s center crosses the island or narrowly passes to its south.
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green declared a statewide emergency Thursday, allowing officials to activate the National Guard and access emergency funding as the state prepares for Lala.
