LIVE: Hawaii Island begins to feel impacts as Tropical Storm Lala nears

News admin August 15, 2026 0 Comments

LIVE: Hawaii Island begins to feel impacts as Tropical Storm Lala nears

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaii Island began to feel the impacts of Tropical Storm Lala on Saturday morning, bringing high winds and heavy rain.

Lala is expected to become a hurricane as it approaches Hawaii Island on Saturday morning.

Lala is moving toward the west-northwest near 13 mph (20 km/h). Some erratic motion is likely later today and tonight while Lala interacts with the Big Island of Hawaii.

Tropical-storm-force wind gusts are occurring at elevated locations on the Big Island, with gusts of 45 mph reported at Puuloa.

After passing the Big Island, Lala is expected to turn westward on Sunday with an increase in forward speed, with the core of the storm staying south of the remainder of the main Hawaiian Islands and the easternmost Northwestern Hawaiian Islands through the early part of next week.

Power Outages

As of 6:45 a.m. Saturday, there were 54 reported power outages on the island, leaving over 4,145customers impacted.

Areas impacted on Hawaii Island include: Kohala, Waimea, Honokaa, Paauilo, Haaheo, Hilo, Kalanianaole, Kapiolani, Keaukaha, Waiakea, Keaau, Mountain View, and Keonepoko.

Click here for the updated HECO outage map.

Traffic Alerts

– 5:40 a.m. A fallen tree was reported blocking both lanes of Hwy 19 between mileposts 15-16 on the north side of Hakalau Bridge.

– 1:57 a.m. Crews are responding to a motor vehicle crash and fallen tree on Route 19 near milepost 53, Waimea side. Proceed with caution.

– 1:40 a.m. Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250) at milepost 12-13 is closed due to a fallen tree and power lines. Kawaihae Road (Route 270) remains open for access between North Kohala and Waimea.

Team Coverage

Jonathan Masaki is braving the elements in Hilo Saturday morning, joining us with live updates while Casey Lund is in studio tracking power outages reported throughout the state.