(BIVN) – As of 9 a.m. on Saturday morning, Tropical Storm Lala became a hurricane, located 85 miles south-southeast of Hawaiʻi island, heading west at 10 miles-per-hour.
Sustained winds are now at 75 miles-per-hour, making it a category one hurricane.
Forecasters expect to see some erratic motion later today and tonight, while Hurricane Lala interacts with the island terrain.
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the Big Island. The large windfield containing tropical-storm force winds is already enveloping Hawaii island.
Hawaiian Electric says around 4,050 customers are without power, mainly in Puna, North and South Kohala and South Hilo.
A Flood Advisory is in place for areas in East Hawaiʻi, and a High Surf Warning has been issued for east-facing shores.
The National Weather Service notes water levels in area streams are slowly rising, and showers are expected to increase in intensity as the morning progresses.
Residents spent Friday preparing for this weather event. Officials are now recommending everyone to shelter in place as the storm passes.
