(BIVN) – Hawaiʻi is preparing for the arrival of a hurricane this weekend, as Tropical Storm Lala continues on its path towards the Big Island.
Lala is following a forecast track that is mostly unchanged from the one issued earlier Friday morning. The storm is expected to strengthen into a category 1 hurricane by the time it reaches Hawaiʻi Island on Saturday.
Here is the latest radio message from county emergency officials:
This is a Civil Defense Tropical Storm Lala update for Friday, August 14, 2026 at 12:10 PM.
The National Hurricane Center Hurricane Warning, High Surf Warning, and Flood Watch remain in effect for Hawaiʻi Island.
As of 11 a.m., Tropical Storm Lala was 320 miles east-southeast of Hilo, moving at 14 miles an hour toward Hawaiʻi Island with sustained winds of 60 MPH.
Strong tropical storm-force winds are forecast island-wide, while hurricane-force winds are possible for the southern most areas of Hawaiʻi Island. Onset of winds are forecast for early Saturday morning.
Surf is forecast to increase to as much as 20 feet for east-facing shores, from Upolu Point in North Kohala to South Point in Kaʻū.
The Flood Watch begins tonight. A Flood Watch means conditions are favorable for flooding to occur. Flooding may be life-threatening.
Please complete your storm-ready preparations for possible damaging winds, flooding rains, and high surf TODAY.
Have a shelter plan. Public shelters will be opened today at 6 PM in every district across Hawaiʻi County. Shelter locations are:
Hisaoka Gym in North Kohala
Waikoloa Elementary School Cafeteria
Kahilu Town Hall in Waimea
Honokaʻa Armory
Laupahoehoe Charter School Band Room
Waiakea High School Gymnasium in Hilo
Keaʻau Armory
Pahoa Community Center
Pahala Gymnasium
Naʻalehu Elementary School Gymnasium
Yano Hall in Captain Cook
Kealakehe High School Gymnasium in North Kona DistrictIf you plan to wait out the storm at a public shelter, please bring your own food, personal and sleeping supplies.
If you have pets, make sure they have pet food and they are in a kennel or crate.
Sand piles are provided across Hawaiʻi Island for personal flood mitigation. Locations can be found on the Civil Defense website.
If you have any questions, please call Civil Defense at 808-935-0031.
This is your Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency.
