Hawaii Governor Josh Green has declared a state of emergency on Thursday as Tropical Storm Lala approaches the islands.

Lala is forecast to intensify into a Category 1 hurricane as it nears the Big Island. The storm is expected to deliver 5 to 10 inches of rainfall across the Big Island and Maui over the weekend.

In a statement, Governor Green said: “Tropical Storm Lala is strengthening as it approaches Hawaiʻi and could near hurricane strength as it reaches Hawaiʻi Island on Saturday.” He also noted: “A hurricane watch is in effect for Hawaiʻi Island and a tropical storm warning is in effect for the state.”

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center reported that Lala will “strengthen and become a hurricane as it approaches the Big Island of Hawaiʻi on Saturday.” The center maintains a Hurricane Warning for the Big Island and a Tropical Storm Warning for Maui County, with Tropical Storm Watches issued for Oʻahu and Kauaʻi Counties.

Heavy rains are forecast for Hawaiʻi Island today, spreading westward across the remainder of the island chain during the weekend. This rainfall may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas of steep terrain. Officials warned that “large and dangerous waves, especially on the Big Island, are expected this weekend,” with impacts most severe along exposed windward and southern shores. The prolonged period of heavy surf could cause localized coastal flooding and significant beach erosion.

A meteorologist warned that Tropical Storm Lala could reach hurricane strength as it approaches the Hawaiian Islands, posing risks of widespread power outages, flash flooding, and mudslides across the region. A Hurricane Warning remains in effect for the Big Island, while a Tropical Storm Warning covers Maui County, including the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe. Tropical Storm Watches are active for Oʻahu and Kauaʻi Counties.

Tropical Storm Lala is currently about 420 miles southeast of Hilo, moving west-northwest at 12 mph with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. The National Hurricane Center no longer anticipates direct landfall on the Big Island but expects Lala to pass just south of the island Saturday. However, hurricane specialist Bryan Norcross warned that Hawaii Island will still experience significant impacts from the storm: “Whether the center of Lala makes landfall on the Big Island or passes by just to the south, Hawaii Island will take a hard hit.”