ORLANDO, Fla. — Tropical Storm Lala is closing in on Hawaii and is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane before reaching the island chain.
The National Hurricane Center said Lala had maximum sustained winds of 60 mph in its 11 a.m. advisory. The storm was moving west-northwest at 12 mph with higher gusts reaching 70 mph.
Watches and warnings issued
A hurricane warning is in effect for the Big Island of Hawaii, where hurricane conditions are expected Saturday.
A tropical storm warning has been issued for Maui. Tropical storm watches are in effect for Oahu, including Honolulu, and Kauai.
Tropical storm conditions are possible across the remaining Hawaiian Islands as Lala moves through the region.
Heavy rain threatens parts of Hawaii
Lala could produce 8 to 12 inches of rain across Maui and the Big Island, with isolated amounts reaching 25 inches.
The strongest winds are expected across the Big Island, particularly in mountainous areas.
Lala could become a hurricane
Forecasters expect Lala to strengthen into a hurricane as it approaches the Big Island on Saturday.
The storm is forecast to move away from the island chain Sunday before returning to the open waters of the Central Pacific on Monday.
The last hurricane to affect the Hawaiian Islands was Hurricane Hone in August 2024. Hone became a Category 1 hurricane and passed just south of the islands.
Stay with Severe Weather Center 9 for the latest updates on Lala and the tropics.
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