State activates Joint Information Center ahead of Tropical Storm Lala

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency has activated its Joint Information Center in preparation for Tropical Storm Lala.

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The center will handle all state-level media inquiries and interview requests related to the storm.

Lala is expected to become a hurricane before moving over Hawaii Island early Saturday morning.

As of Friday morning, a hurricane warning remains in effect for Hawaii Island with winds of up to 85 mph expected. Rainfall of up to 25 inches is expected on the east side of Hawaii Island.

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All of Maui County is under a tropical storm warning, with winds over 40 mph expected. Kauai and Oahu are under a Tropical Storm watch, meaning tropical storm force winds are possible.

The entire state is under a flood watch with flooding conditions are possible through the weekend.

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Tropical Storm Lala was about 300 miles away from Hilo Friday morning.

JIC will operate daily from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. until further notice.