Tropical Storm Watch issued for O‘ahu as Lala approaches Hawai‘i

HONOLULU – The City and County of Honolulu is urging residents and visitors to complete storm preparations after the National Weather Service issued a Tropical Storm Watch for Oʻahu early Friday morning as Tropical Storm Lala continues to approach the Hawaiian Islands.
A Tropical Storm Watch means tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within the next 36 to 48 hours. A Hurricane Warning remains in effect for Hawaiʻi Island, while Maui County is now under a Tropical Storm Warning.
As of 5 a.m., Lala was approximately 630 miles east-southeast of Honolulu, with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. Lala is moving west-northwest and is expected to continue strengthening during the next day or so, with the storm forecast to become a Category 1 hurricane as it approaches Hawaiʻi Island.
For Oʻahu, conditions are expected to become increasingly unsettled through the weekend. Strong and gusty winds are possible, with tropical storm conditions possible beginning Saturday night. Heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding and rapidly rising streams, while increasing easterly swell is expected to produce dangerous surf along east-facing shores by Saturday night. Residents and visitors should closely monitor updated forecasts and be prepared to take action if flood watches or warnings are issued.
The City and County of Honolulu will activate its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 7 a.m. Friday, bringing together City departments, first responder agencies and emergency management personnel to coordinate operations, monitor conditions across Oʻahu and deploy resources as needed. The Honolulu Police Department’s Joint Operations Center will also activate at 7 a.m.
The City is also reminding residents that elevated wildfire danger remains a concern Friday as breezy trade winds combine with dry conditions ahead of the tropical moisture associated with Lala. Residents should avoid activities that could spark a fire and immediately report signs of fire or smoke.
Residents should continue monitoring official information from the National Weather Service, Central Pacific Hurricane Center and the City and County of Honolulu.
The City will provide its next update at 10 a.m. Friday, or sooner if conditions warrant.

—PAU—

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