Hurricane Lala has officially strengthened into a Category One hurricane as it approaches Hawaii’s Big Island, threatening rare and historic impacts across the island chain.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Lala’s maximum sustained winds reached seventy-five miles per hour as its eyewall tracked toward the southern end of the Big Island. Forecasters warn that wind speeds could be up to thirty percent stronger along volcanic slopes and high elevations. A hurricane warning remains in effect for Hawaii County, with tropical storm warnings covering Maui, Oahu, and Kauai.

Meteorologists caution that life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides pose the most severe danger. Torrential rainfall is expected to total eight to twelve inches across lower elevations, with isolated mountain areas on the Big Island receiving up to twenty-five inches. Heavy surf nearing twenty feet and storm surge up to three feet will also cause hazardous coastal conditions.

Governor Josh Green has urged residents and visitors to stay off the roads and seek safe shelter, warning that severe weather will persist through the weekend. Emergency shelters are open, and multiple local flights have been canceled as safety precautions take effect.