Hurricane warning issued for Hawaii’s Big Island as Tropical Storm Lala approaches

Tropical Storm Lala is expected to strengthen into a hurricane before approaching Hawaii's Big Island this weekend, bringing a rare threat of landfall and potentially destructive weather.

The National Hurricane Center said Lala could reach hurricane strength before nearing the island early Saturday.

A hurricane warning has been issued for the Big Island, while Maui County is under a tropical storm warning.

If Lala makes landfall on the Big Island, it could be the first hurricane to do so since 1871.

“First time since satellites,” National Weather Service meteorologist Vanessa Almanza told the Associated Press.

“The latest forecast has it very close to the southern tip of the Big Island.”

Officials warned that dangerous conditions are possible even without a direct hit.

“It doesn’t take landfall to create destruction. A lot of the impacts are felt outside of the hurricane,” Almanza said.

Some areas could receive up to 25 inches of rain, raising the risk of severe flooding. Shelters have opened and events have been cancelled.

Lala was about 340 miles east-southeast of South Point late Friday morning, with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. It was moving west-northwest at 14 mph.

Strong winds and dry conditions could also increase wildfire risks across parts of Hawaii.