Tropical storm Lala was already whipping and soaking Hawaii's Big Island early Saturday, with forecasts saying it could strengthen into a hurricane or, at the least, bring hurricane-force winds as it approaches land.

The storm could become Tropical Storm Lala on the evening of Wednesday, Aug. 12. Hurricane forecasters expect a direct hit on Hawaii.

Forecasters say Tropical Storm Lala has formed in the Pacific Ocean and a hurricane watch has been issued for the Big Island of Hawaii.