Hurricane Lala Batters Hawaii, Leaving Thousands Without Power

Hurricane Lala swept through Hawaii on Saturday, bringing powerful winds and torrential rain that left more than 40,000 utility customers without electricity. The National Hurricane Center warned of "life-threatening" conditions as the storm moved across the state.

Tracking data from poweroutage.com showed 42,889 customers in the dark as of 2:14 p.m. HST, with the Big Island bearing the brunt at 31,792 outages. Maui County, which includes Lanai and Molokai, reported 7,203 customers without power.

The hurricane center's 2 p.m. advisory predicted 10 to 20 inches of rain on the Big Island, with isolated totals up to 25 inches. Eastern Maui was expected to see 8 to 12 inches, while western Maui could receive 4 to 6 inches. "This rainfall will produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain," the center said.

Hawaiian Electric warned customers to prepare for "possible extended outages, potentially overnight." On the Big Island's Hamakua Coast, crews were assessing a 42-mile stretch of transmission lines after fallen trees toppled multiple poles, according to utility spokesperson Darren Pai.

Lala's maximum sustained winds reached 75 mph, making it a Category 1 hurricane. The Maunakea Weather Center recorded gusts exceeding 100 mph during the early afternoon, though winds were likely weaker at sea level.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation closed Hilo International Airport and shut down Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole at 2 p.m. HST. Commercial ports on Hawaii Island, Maui County, and Kaua'i were also closed as the storm continued its westward path.