Tropical Storm Lala forms in Pacific, expected to make rare Hawaiian landfall with flooding rain, monster surf
The precise path of the storm will determine which regions face the strongest winds. Meanwhile, windward slopes can generally expect the heaviest rainfall regardless of the exact track.
Tropical Storm Lala forms southeast of Hawaii, expected to bring dangerous storm surge, heavy rain
🚨BREAKING NEWS: Tropical Storm Lala has formed hundreds of miles southeast of Hawaii. A Hurricane Watch has been issued for Hawaii's Big Island. Lala is expected to bring dangerous storm surge and heavy rain. Watch FOX Weather for LIVE coverage:
THE TAKEAWAY
- Tropical Storm Lala forms in the Pacific with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph
- Lala takes aim at the Hawaiian Islands with a forecast landfall
- Impacts include dangerous surf and life-threatening flooding as early as Friday night
HONOLULU, Hawaii — Tropical Storm Lala has formed in the Central Pacific and is taking aim at the Hawaiian Islands, where heavy rain, strong winds and dangerous surf are expected by late Friday.
A Hurricane Watch is now in effect for the Big Island, with further watches likely for the rest of the island chain as the storm tracks closer.
LATEST FROM FOX WEATHER HURRICANE SPECIALIST BRYAN NORCROSS
A tropical storm is a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds between 39 and 73 mph, making it stronger than a tropical depression.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TROPICAL DEPRESSION, TROPICAL STORM AND A HURRICANE?
Tropical Storm Lala currently packs maximum sustained winds of 40 mph and is forecast to produce life-threatening flooding alongside towering surf with waves potentially exceeding 30 feet.
In addition, mudslides will be a concern along with destructive winds and dangerous rip currents.
Hawaii (Robert Ray / FOX Weather)
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) expects Lala to maintain its strength as a robust tropical storm as it makes landfall on the Big Island.
For perspective, the last tropical storm to make landfall in Hawaii was Olivia, which came ashore on Maui and Lanai in 2018.
HOW ARE HURRICANES RATED? THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE WIND SCALE EXPLAINED
Before that, the last hurricane to hit the state was Category 4 Iniki in 1992, which remains the costliest hurricane in Hawaiian history.
The precise path of the storm will determine which regions face the strongest winds. Meanwhile, windward slopes can generally expect the heaviest rainfall regardless of the exact track.
Tides are already elevated due to strong trade winds, the moon’s distance from the earth, and thermal expansion of the ocean due to the water being unusually warm.
Even if the storm misses, it will generate massive swells and dangerous surf, making local beaches extremely hazardous.
Lala's formation is part of a broader trend: The Pacific Basin has been very active during this El Niño season so far.
During El Niño, above-average water temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean alter global atmospheric circulation.
El Niño hurricane effect in the Atlantic versus in the Pacific. (FOX Weather)
This shifts and strengthens the subtropical jet stream across the Pacific and North America, while simultaneously producing high vertical wind shear across the Atlantic and Caribbean that suppresses storms there.
Additionally, odds continue to rise for this El Niño to intensify into a historic, super El Niño between October and December 2026, which would provide even more fuel for tropical activity across the Pacific Basin.
Stay with FOX Weather for the latest updates.