Hawaii Braces for Another Cyclone as Lala Recovery Continues
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Hawaii was assessing damage from Hurricane Lala on Thursday while forecasters monitored Tropical Depression Two-C, a new system expected to strengthen and pass south of the islands this weekend. The National Weather Service’s Central Pacific Hurricane Center said Two-C could bring 5 to 15 inches of rain to the Big Island, with life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides possible, especially where Lala saturated the ground. About 13,200 Big Island customers remained without power Thursday, while Hawaiian Electric said roughly 14,400 were without service in a Wednesday evening update. Lala damaged more than 100 homes, roads and bridges and produced more than 43 inches of rain at Laupahoehoe, according to officials and the weather service. Two storm-related deaths have been reported, including 93-year-old May Doi and a man in his 60s. Lala remained a hurricane Thursday, moving toward Papahanaumokuakea. Officials urged continued monitoring as recovery overlapped with another potential cyclone threat.
More context
Timeline
- August 14, 2026 — Lala approached Hawaii as a strengthening storm.
- August 15, 2026 — Lala passed roughly 35 miles from Hawaii.
- August 16, 2026 — Lala weakened while flooding southern communities widely.
- August 17, 2026 — Crews restored power, cleared roads following Lala.
- August 18, 2026 — Lala rapidly intensified far west of Hawaii.
- August 19, 2026 — Lala reached hurricane strength near remote islands.
- August 20, 2026 — Officials monitored tropical system southeast of Hawaii.
- August 20, 2026 — Lala remained a hurricane near Papahanaumokuakea Marine.
- August 20, 2026 — 14,400 Big Island customers remained without power.
- August 21, 2026 — Moke could strengthen while nearing Hawaii southeastward.
- August 22, 2026 — Heavy rain could begin affecting Hawaii Island.
- August 24, 2026 — Moke should move southward if forecasts persist.
Why it matters
Immediate US impact: Hawaii faces renewed flooding risks while crews restore damaged infrastructure. Possible long-term US impact: Repeated tropical threats could increase recovery costs and resilience pressures. Reader priority: Prioritize National Weather Service updates over conflicting forecasts and rumors. Most Affected: Big Island residents, utilities, farmers, agencies, businesses face greatest exposure.
Coverage notes
Left: Left framing emphasizes climate risk, vulnerable communities, and disaster impacts. Center: Center framing emphasizes forecasts, damage totals, uncertainty, and official responses. Right: Right framing emphasizes preparedness, infrastructure resilience, and government accountability.
Primary report
August 20, 2026, 2:00 AM HST: NWS warned depression likely.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
