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Hawaii faced widespread power outages, dangerous flooding and significant
property damage on Sunday after Hurricane Lala moved past the Big Island and
weakened into a tropical storm. More than 200,000 utility customers across the
Hawaiian Islands remained without electricity as emergency crews continued
responding to flooded roads, damaged homes, fallen trees and disrupted
infrastructure.
At around midday Sunday, approximately 219,000 customers were reported to be
without power across Hawaii. Oahu, the state’s most populated island, had
previously recorded more than 220,000 outages before the number fell to roughly
130,000 by Sunday morning, according to state officials and outage tracking data.
The storm also caused substantial property damage. Hawaii Governor Josh Green
said officials had received reports involving at least 100 damaged homes. Two
homes were reported to have been swept away during severe flooding on the Big
Island, highlighting the destructive combination of torrential rainfall, fast-moving
water and powerful winds.
Lala Weakens After Passing Hawaii
Lala reached hurricane strength before approaching Hawaii but weakened as it
moved away from the islands. By late Sunday morning, the system was classified
as a tropical storm, with maximum sustained winds of approximately 65 mph.
The storm was traveling west-northwest at about 16 mph, while tropical storm
warnings remained active for several Hawaiian counties. Officials continued
warning residents about dangerous rainfall, flash flooding, landslides and strong
wind gusts even after Lala lost hurricane status.
The weakening of the storm did not immediately eliminate the threat. Large
rainbands continued moving across parts of Maui, Oahu and Kauai, bringing
periods of intense rainfall capable of producing additional flooding and mudslides.
Weather officials warned that mountainous terrain could increase the effects of
strong winds and rainfall. The geography of Hawaii can accelerate runoff, creating
dangerous conditions in valleys and low-lying communities.
Severe Power Outages Across the Islands
One of the most serious consequences of Lala has been the extensive power
outage affecting households and businesses throughout Hawaii.
More than 200,000 customers were still without electricity on Sunday, while a large
portion of the Big Island remained without power. Fallen trees, damaged utility
infrastructure and flooded roads created major obstacles for electricity restoration
crews.
Hawaiian Electric had previously warned customers that repair operations could be
delayed because hurricane-force winds had knocked trees onto roads and power
infrastructure. Flooding also made it difficult for emergency and utility workers to
reach some affected communities.
Power outages can create additional problems beyond the immediate loss of
electricity. Residents may face interruptions to refrigeration, communications,
water systems and other essential services. Businesses can also experience
significant financial losses when electricity is unavailable for extended periods.
For residents and property owners, the storm is likely to generate questions about
emergency assistance, insurance claims, property damage assessments and
disaster recovery in the days ahead.
Flash Flooding Creates Dangerous Conditions
Flooding became one of the most destructive effects of Lala.
Southern areas of the Big Island experienced exceptionally heavy rainfall, with
some locations receiving more than 30 inches. Fast-moving floodwater swept
across roads and entered residential areas.
Hawaii officials described some of the flooding as unusually severe, with powerful
water flows carrying debris, rocks and other material through communities.
In the Kaʻū District, rescue teams were sent to areas where homes had been
affected by rising floodwaters. National Guard vehicles capable of traveling
through deep water were deployed to help reach isolated neighborhoods.
A Coast Guard helicopter was also used as part of emergency operations in areas
where roads had become inaccessible.
Officials urged residents to avoid entering floodwater because rapidly moving
water can hide deep holes, damaged roads and dangerous debris. Emergency
authorities repeatedly emphasized that protecting lives remained the highest
priority.
Homes Swept Away by Floodwaters
The scale of the flooding became particularly clear when authorities reported that
homes had been swept away from their foundations.
The National Weather Service reported that two homes were washed away in the
Kaʻū District. Other properties were inundated or damaged as floodwater moved
through residential areas.
Governor Josh Green also described a rescue in which an elderly woman was pulled
from a tree after her home was washed away.
The destruction of homes has raised concerns about the longer-term recovery
process. Residents whose properties suffered major structural damage may need
temporary accommodation, financial assistance, insurance support and rebuilding
resources.
The economic consequences of a major tropical storm can continue long after the
weather improves. Construction companies, utility providers, local governments
and emergency agencies may need weeks or months to restore damaged
infrastructure.
Roads and Bridges Damaged
Flooding also caused major transportation problems across parts of Hawaii.
Officials reported collapsed roads, damaged bridges and areas that became
isolated from the rest of the community. In some locations, floodwater and debris
made normal vehicle travel impossible.
One damaged roadway reportedly contributed to the creation of a new waterfall,
while nearby infrastructure was affected by powerful water flows.
Road closures are especially concerning for communities that depend on limited
transportation routes. When a road leading to a hospital or emergency facility
becomes inaccessible, residents can face additional risks.
Authorities therefore urged people to remain indoors whenever possible and avoid
unnecessary travel while emergency crews continued assessing the damage.
Emergency Rescue Operations Underway
A large multi-agency search-and-rescue operation was launched in parts of the
Big Island.
Hawaii County Civil Defense, police, firefighters, public works teams, the Hawaii
National Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard participated in emergency operations.
Some residents had contacted emergency services but could not immediately be
reached because flooding had blocked roads.
Rescue crews also responded to vehicles trapped in floodwater. Several people were
reportedly rescued after becoming stranded.
Officials stressed that dangerous conditions remained present because rushing
water, debris and large rocks could make nighttime rescue operations particularly
difficult.
The state’s emergency response network was therefore placed under considerable
pressure as teams worked simultaneously on flooding, power outages, damaged
roads and reports of property destruction.
Fatality Reported as Storm Impacts Hawaii
Authorities also reported a fatality connected to a two-car crash on the Big Island.
Governor Green initially attributed the incident to the storm but later said it was
not yet clear whether Lala directly caused the death.
Another person was found dead during the storm, although officials said the
circumstances surrounding that death were still unclear.
Authorities continued investigating the incidents while focusing on emergency
response and public safety.
The uncertainty surrounding the fatalities demonstrates how difficult it can be to
determine the direct effects of severe weather during an ongoing disaster.
Travel Disruptions Affect Hawaii
The storm also affected air travel and transportation.
More than 190 flights in and out of Hawaii were delayed or postponed, while dozens
were canceled during the storm’s most disruptive period.
Although airports across the state reopened, officials advised travelers to check
directly with airlines for updated flight information before heading to the airport.
Even after airports reopen, passengers can experience delays because aircraft and
crews may be out of position following widespread weather disruptions.
Travelers visiting Hawaii should therefore continue monitoring official weather
updates and airline notifications as the remaining effects of Lala move away from
the islands.
Tropical Storm Warnings Remain in Effect
Although Lala weakened, tropical storm warnings remained in effect for several
Hawaiian islands and counties.
Heavy rainfall continued in some areas, although the rain became more scattered
as the storm’s outer bands moved across the islands.
Kauai remained particularly vulnerable because parts of the island were still being
affected by rainfall associated with Lala’s core and tropical-storm-strength wind
gusts.
Officials warned that dangerous flash flooding and landslides could continue even
after the storm’s strongest winds weakened.
This is an important feature of tropical weather systems: the greatest danger does
not always disappear immediately when a storm is downgraded.
Power Restoration Could Take Time
Restoring electricity is expected to be one of the biggest challenges following Lala.
Utility workers must first clear fallen trees and debris before they can safely access
damaged power lines and equipment. In heavily affected locations, flooded roads
can make restoration work even more complicated.
State officials said crews were preparing for a major cleanup operation, while
military personnel remained available if additional assistance became necessary.
For residents without electricity, the duration of outages will depend on the
severity of infrastructure damage and how quickly crews can reach affected areas.
The situation also highlights the importance of emergency preparedness during
major weather events. Residents in vulnerable areas are often encouraged to
maintain emergency supplies, backup communication methods, food, drinking
water and other essential items.
Hawaii Begins Preparing for Recovery
As Lala moves farther away, attention is gradually shifting from immediate
emergency response toward damage assessment and recovery.
Officials expect emergency crews to remain busy for an extended period as they
inspect roads, bridges, homes, electrical systems and other infrastructure.
The recovery process could involve significant costs for homeowners, businesses
and government agencies.
Property owners may need to document storm damage carefully for insurance and
assistance purposes. Local authorities will also need to evaluate which roads and
public facilities require urgent repairs.
For communities that experienced severe flooding, cleanup could involve removing
mud, debris, damaged construction materials and fallen trees.
What Happens Next?
The immediate threat from Lala is expected to decrease as the storm continues
moving away from the Hawaiian Islands. However, dangerous weather conditions
may persist in some locations because of remaining rainbands, saturated ground
and unstable slopes.
Residents should continue following instructions from local emergency
management agencies and weather authorities.
The storm is also a reminder that hurricane and tropical storm impacts can extend
far beyond the strongest winds. Flooding, landslides, power outages,
transportation disruptions and property damage can continue affecting
communities for days after a storm begins to weaken.
For Hawaii, the next phase will focus on restoring electricity, reopening damaged
roads, helping displaced residents and assessing the full economic impact of the
disaster.
Although Lala is no longer classified as a hurricane, the storm has already left a
significant mark on the islands. More than 200,000 customers experienced power
outages, at least 100 homes were reported damaged, and multiple communities
faced dangerous flooding and emergency rescues.
As recovery operations continue, Hawaii officials are urging residents to remain
cautious, avoid flooded areas and rely on official information while crews work to
restore essential services.
The coming days will provide a clearer picture of the total damage caused by Lala
and the financial cost of rebuilding affected communities.
