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Storm Lala strengthens into a Category 1 hurricane as it nears Hawaii

Authorities warn residents to take precautions as the storm is expected to bring rains and strong winds to the island chain. The named storm Lala has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane as it prepares to bear down on the Big Island of Hawaii with a deluge of heavy rain. The storm began to whip the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago on Saturday. By mid-day, its sustained wind speed had reached 120 kilometres per hour (75 mph), pushing it from a tropical storm into the category of a hurricane. Authorities in the United States have warned that the storm could prompt flooding and other hazardous conditions, and they urged residents to exercise caution.

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Scoop News DeskLala · Published Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 5:27 PM UTCUpdated Sunday, August 16, 2026 at 4:54 AM UTC

Coverage image for: Storm Lala strengthens into a Category 1 hurricane as it nears Hawaii

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On Friday, when Lala was still a tropical storm, he issued a video message reiterating the dangers ahead. “Tropical Storm Lala is approaching Hawaii and is forecast to strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane before nearing Hawaii Island on Saturday,” Green said. “Damaging winds, heavy rain, flash flooding and dangerous surf are possible across the state through the weekend.” The National Hurricane Center has issued a hurricane warning for the Big Island, which has not suffered a direct hurricane landfall in 155 years. “Damaging hurricane-force winds are expected on the Big Island of Hawaii later today,” the US National Hurricane Center said in an advisory at 15:00 GMT. “Tropical storm-force winds are already beginning.” The centre has predicted 20.3 to 30.5 centimetres (8 to 12 inches) of rainfall across Maui and the lower elevations of the Big Island.

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Story timeline

Dated changes to this report are shown here as they are published.

Version 2unpublished
Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 11:14 PM UTC
Removed by Scoop Timeline eligibility policy
Version 3published
Sunday, August 16, 2026 at 3:02 AM UTC
Authorities warn residents to take precautions as the storm is expected to bring rains and strong winds to the island chain. The named storm Lala has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane as it prepares to bear down on the Big Island of Hawaii with a deluge of heavy rain. The storm began to whip the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago on Saturday. By mid-day, its sustained wind speed had reached 120 kilometres per hour (75 mph), pushing it from a tropical storm into the category of a hurricane. Authorities in the United States have warned that the storm could prompt flooding and other hazardous conditions, and they urged residents to exercise caution.
Version 4unpublished
Sunday, August 16, 2026 at 3:18 AM UTC
Removed by Scoop Timeline eligibility policy
Version 5published
Sunday, August 16, 2026 at 3:19 AM UTC
Authorities warn residents to take precautions as the storm is expected to bring rains and strong winds to the island chain. The named storm Lala has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane as it prepares to bear down on the Big Island of Hawaii with a deluge of heavy rain. The storm began to whip the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago on Saturday. By mid-day, its sustained wind speed had reached 120 kilometres per hour (75 mph), pushing it from a tropical storm into the category of a hurricane. Authorities in the United States have warned that the storm could prompt flooding and other hazardous conditions, and they urged residents to exercise caution.
Version 6unpublished
Sunday, August 16, 2026 at 3:34 AM UTC
Removed by Scoop Timeline eligibility policy
Version 7published
Sunday, August 16, 2026 at 3:51 AM UTC
Authorities warn residents to take precautions as the storm is expected to bring rains and strong winds to the island chain. The named storm Lala has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane as it prepares to bear down on the Big Island of Hawaii with a deluge of heavy rain. The storm began to whip the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago on Saturday. By mid-day, its sustained wind speed had reached 120 kilometres per hour (75 mph), pushing it from a tropical storm into the category of a hurricane. Authorities in the United States have warned that the storm could prompt flooding and other hazardous conditions, and they urged residents to exercise caution.
Version 8unpublished
Sunday, August 16, 2026 at 4:06 AM UTC
Removed by Scoop Timeline eligibility policy
Version 9published
Sunday, August 16, 2026 at 4:39 AM UTC
Authorities warn residents to take precautions as the storm is expected to bring rains and strong winds to the island chain. The named storm Lala has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane as it prepares to bear down on the Big Island of Hawaii with a deluge of heavy rain. The storm began to whip the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago on Saturday. By mid-day, its sustained wind speed had reached 120 kilometres per hour (75 mph), pushing it from a tropical storm into the category of a hurricane. Authorities in the United States have warned that the storm could prompt flooding and other hazardous conditions, and they urged residents to exercise caution.
Version 10unpublished
Sunday, August 16, 2026 at 4:54 AM UTC
Removed by Scoop Timeline eligibility policy