Tropical Storm Lala expected to strengthen as it nears Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii is facing a deluge of heavy rain as Tropical Storm Lala approaches with hurricane-force winds.

The storm began to whip the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago on Saturday, with forecasts indicating it could intensify into a hurricane as it nears land.

Authorities in the United States have warned that the storm could prompt flooding and other hazardous conditions, and they urged residents to exercise caution.

“Tropical Storm Lala is approaching Hawaii and is forecast to strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane before nearing Hawaii Island on Saturday,” Governor Josh Green said in a video message posted on Friday. “Damaging winds, heavy rain, flash flooding and dangerous surf are possible across the state through the weekend.”

The National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane warning for the Big Island, which has not suffered a direct hurricane landfall in 155 years.

“Damaging hurricane-force winds are expected on the Big Island of Hawaii later today,” the US National Hurricane Center said in its latest advisory at 15:00 GMT. “Tropical storm-force winds are already beginning.”

The centre has predicted 20.3 to 30.5 centimetres (8 to 12 inches) of rainfall across Maui and the lower elevations of the Big Island.

The rest of the island chain is bracing for 10.2 to 15.2 centimetres (4 to 6 inches) of precipitation.