City urges residents to stay safe as Hurricane Lala approaches O‘ahu
HONOLULU – The City and County of Honolulu is urging residents and visitors to prepare to remain in a safe location Saturday night as Hurricane Lala moves through the Hawaiian Islands and conditions are expected to worsen across Oʻahu as the evening progresses.
Oʻahu remains under a Tropical Storm Warning, and the City’s eight hurricane refuge areas have been open since 8 a.m. Saturday. The City’s Emergency Operations Center and Honolulu Police Department Joint Operations Center remain fully activated, with City departments and first responders monitoring conditions and coordinating response operations across the island.
Lala strengthened to a hurricane Saturday as it approached the state.
Latest forecast
Lala continues to move through the Hawaiian Islands Saturday afternoon, with its center passing near the southern portion of Hawaiʻi Island before continuing west. Oʻahu remains under a Tropical Storm Warning, and conditions are expected to worsen across the island Saturday evening and overnight as Lala moves westward. The National Weather Service says damaging tropical storm-force winds could begin on Oʻahu as early as this evening, with locally stronger and potentially damaging gusts possible over and downwind of mountainous terrain.
Heavy rainfall is also expected to increase across Oʻahu this evening and continue into Sunday. Leeward areas could receive 2 to 4 inches of rain, while windward areas could receive 4 to 6 inches, with isolated totals of up to 8 inches possible. A Flood Watch takes effect at 6 p.m. Saturday and continues through early Monday morning. Flash flooding, rapidly rising streams, landslides, and flooding of roads and low-lying areas are possible. Dangerous surf also continues along east-facing shores.
Strong winds expected tonight
As winds strengthen across Oʻahu Saturday evening and overnight, residents should be prepared for the possibility of downed trees and power lines, flying debris and damage to roofs and other structures. Strong gusts can loosen roofing materials, particularly on older or already damaged structures.
Residents should remain indoors and away from windows as winds increase, avoid going outside to retrieve or secure objects once conditions become dangerous, and never approach a downed power line. If you are concerned about the safety of your home, move to the safest interior area of the structure, away from windows and exterior doors, before winds become hazardous.
“Hurricane Lala is here in our state, and conditions on Oʻahu are expected to worsen as the night goes on,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “Our message at this point is very simple: please make safety your priority tonight. Our first responders and City crews are positioned across the island and will be working throughout the night. Please help them by not putting yourself in a situation where you need to be rescued.”
Hurricane refuge areas remain open
Eight City hurricane refuge areas remain open across Oʻahu for residents and visitors who need a safe place during the storm.
- Blanche Pope Elementary School
- Castle High School
- Kahuku Elementary School
- Kapolei High School
- Mililani High School
- Moanalua High School
- Nānākuli Elementary School
- Roosevelt High School
All locations are pet-friendly. Individuals should bring food, water, medications, and other essential items whenever possible, along with necessary supplies for their pets.
As of 4 p.m. Saturday, 32 people were staying at the eight refuge areas.
City response operations
City departments and first responder agencies will remain fully staffed and operational throughout the night, with crews positioned to respond to flooding, downed trees, blocked roadways, wastewater issues and other storm-related emergencies.
Public transportation
The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) continues to closely monitor conditions across Oʻahu as Hurricane Lala approaches.
TheBus and TheHandi-Van service may be suspended Saturday evening if sustained winds increase to levels that make ground transit operations unsafe. Riders should plan for possible service changes and are encouraged to complete essential travel early and remain indoors as conditions worsen.
Skyline is currently expected to continue regular service through 10:30 p.m. Saturday. Transit operations remain subject to change based on weather and safety conditions. Riders should closely monitor official City updates for any service modifications or suspensions.
Refuse operations: The Department of Environmental Services (ENV) will close all refuse convenience centers, transfer stations, and the Waimānalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill on Sunday, August 16, due to expected severe weather. Conditions will be reassessed Sunday to determine whether facilities can safely reopen Monday.
ENV is also urging residents to secure gray, blue, and green refuse carts before winds intensify. When possible, move carts into a garage or carport, or place them against a building or wall, out of the wind, to prevent them from tipping over or becoming airborne.
Honolulu Zoo
The Honolulu Zoo closed to the public at 1 p.m. Saturday as strong winds associated with Hurricane Lala increased across Oʻahu. The precautionary closure was taken to protect visitors, employees and animals. Zoo staff continues to care for the animals and monitor conditions, and the facility will reopen once it is determined safe to do so.
Parks and recreation
All City parks and recreational facilities will suspend activities beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday and continuing Sunday until further notice, including permitted activities, overnight camping and People’s Open Markets.
All City botanical gardens will be closed Sunday. Parks personnel will assess facilities as conditions allow before determining when they can safely reopen.
Water conservation: The Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS) is asking all residents to limit water use to essential needs, including drinking, cooking and sanitation, as Hurricane Lala approaches. Island-wide conservation will help keep reservoirs as full as possible before, during and after the storm, particularly if power outages affect pumping operations.
Stay home and stay safe tonight
As conditions worsen, residents should avoid unnecessary travel and remain in a safe location whenever possible.
Never drive through a flooded roadway. Stay away from streams, drainage channels and other waterways, which can rise rapidly with little warning. Stay away from beaches and shorelines experiencing dangerous surf.
Keep phones and backup batteries charged and be prepared for possible power outages. Secure any remaining loose outdoor items only if it is safe to do so.
If you experience an emergency, call 911.
City non-emergency call center
The City’s non-emergency call center remains open to provide storm-related information and assistance.
Residents and visitors may call (808) 723-8960 for non-emergency information, including weather updates, hurricane refuge area information, and other City resources and services.
Sign up for customized HNL Alert notifications at HNLAlert.gov or text HNLALERT to 888777 to receive urgent emergency notifications.
The City’s Emergency Operations Center will remain fully activated throughout the night, and City departments and first responders will continue monitoring conditions and responding to storm-related impacts across Oʻahu.
The City will provide regular public updates throughout the night, with the next updates scheduled for 10 p.m. Saturday and 4 a.m. Sunday, or sooner if conditions warrant.
Residents and visitors should continue monitoring official City communications and HNL Alert notifications as conditions change.
—PAU—
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