Hawaii's Big Island is bracing for its first possible direct hit from a hurricane in 155 years, as Hurricane Lala, now a category one storm, roars towards the coast with sustained winds of 120 km/h. This storm is a cause for concern, especially given the region's vulnerability to extreme weather events. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for dangerous surf and localized flooding, and the Hawaii Department of Transportation has closed Hilo International Airport and Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, as well as commercial ports on the island, Maui County, and Kaua'i.
The eye wall of the hurricane is expected to move over or near the southern end of the Big Island by Saturday evening, bringing its worst winds to the volcanic slopes thousands of feet above sea level. Governor Josh Green has urged residents to shelter in place, noting the intense rainfall of 5 cm per hour. This could lead to life-threatening mudslides in a mountainous area where people live off the grid in makeshift housing.
The potential impact of this storm is immense. Electric power has been knocked out for nearly 20% of customers on the Big Island, and residents are preparing for the worst. Bobby Camara, a 75-year-old resident, plans to 'hunker down' and hope for the best, while others are stocking up on fuel for chainsaws and vehicles, a common practice in the region. Mike Caputo, a local fire captain, worries about flash flooding and fallen trees, especially the common albizia tree, which can make roads impassable.
The Big Island's history with hurricanes is a grim reminder of the potential devastation. In 1871, a category three hurricane hit the northeast corner of the island, and in 1992, Hurricane Iniki, a category four storm, caused $3 billion in damage and destroyed thousands of homes, resulting in six deaths. The current El Niño year, similar to 1992, is expected to increase Pacific hurricane activity and affect weather patterns globally.
The National Weather Service meteorologist, Vanessa Almanza, warns that Lala is forecast to strike very close to the southern tip of the Big Island. Shelters have been opened, and ranchers are urged to leave their cattle in pastures to avoid potential collapses. The hurricane center predicts significant rainfall across the island chain, with the potential for mudslides and other hazards.
This storm serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of coastal regions in the face of extreme weather events. As the hurricane approaches, the residents of the Big Island are on high alert, hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. The outcome of this storm will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the lives and livelihoods of those affected.
