Hurricane Lala, the first major Central Pacific hurricane of 2026, has weakened its northwestern path but already caused extensive damage on the Big Island, including roofs destroyed, trees toppled, and about 13,200 customers without power, with restoration potentially taking two weeks.

Two deaths are linked to Lala's floodwaters, underscoring the storm’s deadly impact and the broad scope of destruction as power outages reach into thousands of homes.

As of Thursday, the system was roughly 960 miles east-southeast of Hilo, with officials continuing to evaluate its path and magnitude while coordinating preparedness and recovery alongside Lala’s response.

Separately, a charter boat crew conducting a safety-focused cleanup removed plastics and nets from islands farther northwest, avoiding Lala’s projected path.

Hawaii officials, including Gov. Josh Green, held a news conference to outline preparations for the new system and ongoing recovery efforts from Lala’s impact as communities rebuild from floods and storms.

Forecasts from NOAA/NWS indicate Lala will stay a hurricane through the weekend in remote marine areas, with continued threats from coastal and inland flooding and a call for vigilance.

Personal stories highlight the human toll, including the death of May Doi, a longtime local teacher, and the discovery of another body in a pasture after floodwaters, reflecting the community’s vulnerability.

Forecasters warn of a new tropical disturbance southeast of Hawaii that could strengthen into a tropical storm and potentially pass near or south of the islands, bringing up to 15 inches of rain to the Big Island and elevating flood, mudslide, and rip current risks.

Hawaii is preparing for possible impacts from the developing tropical system, which could approach near or south of the Big Island as a tropical storm, stacking with the ongoing Lala recovery.