Contact Us Subscribe
  1. Back
  2. Current News
  3. News Archive
4pm update: City continues storm preparations as TS Lala moves closer to Hawai‘i

HONOLULU – The City and County of Honolulu is stepping up preparations as Tropical Storm Lala strengthens and moves closer to the Hawaiian Islands. City departments and first responder agencies continued taking precautionary measures Thursday, with the City moving into an elevated operational posture beginning Friday morning.

City officials are urging Oʻahu residents to finish preparations now rather than wait for a watch or warning to be issued. While uncertainty remains about Lala’s exact track and intensity, the potential for impacts across the state continues to increase.

Latest forecast

Tropical Storm Lala is located more than 600 miles southeast of Hilo. As of the latest Central Pacific Hurricane Center advisory, Lala had maximum sustained winds of 45mph and was moving west-northwest at 9 mph. Lala is forecast to continue strengthening and could become a hurricane as it approaches Hawaiʻi Island, where a Hurricane Watch remains in effect. Oʻahu is not currently under a tropical storm or hurricane watch.

For Oʻahu, residents should remain prepared for strong and gusty winds, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and large and dangerous surf later in the weekend. Before the tropical moisture arrives, stronger winds and dry conditions are expected to elevate wildfire danger on Friday.

Residents are reminded that hazardous conditions can extend far from the center of a tropical cyclone and should not make decisions based solely on Lala’s projected center line.

“We have spent this week preparing our City for this storm, and I want everyone on Oʻahu to use the time we have left to make sure they are ready,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “We still don't know exactly what Lala will bring to our island, and that uncertainty is precisely why we need to remain prepared and vigilant. Finish securing your home, know what your family will do if conditions become dangerous, and stay connected to official information. We are going to continue watching this storm very closely and will be ready to respond.”

The Department of Emergency Management continues to coordinate with the National Weather Service, Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, first responder agencies and other government and nongovernmental partners.

New City actions Thursday

Since the City’s 10 a.m. update, departments and agencies have continued preparations across Oʻahu.


Emergency operations: The City and County of Honolulu will activate its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the Honolulu Police Department’s Joint Operations Center (JOC) beginning at 7 a.m. Friday. The activations will bring together City departments, first responder agencies and emergency management personnel to coordinate operations, monitor conditions across Oʻahu and rapidly deploy resources as needed throughout the storm.

Public safety: The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) continues preparations for severe weather, with patrol districts readying inclement-weather equipment and ensuring generators and department vehicles are fully fueled. Officers will also conduct outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness, particularly near waterways, canals and streams, to provide information about the approaching storm and available shelter and other resources.

Emergency Medical Services: Honolulu Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is preparing equipment and facilities for potential severe weather while continuing normal operations. EMS is urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain and hazardous conditions and to keep roadways clear for emergency vehicles. First responders are preparing for a possible increase in 911 calls over the weekend.


CORE operations: Community Outreach Response and Engagement (CORE) will move to 24-hour operations beginning at 7 a.m. Friday and continuing through the weekend, with operations reassessed daily based on conditions. CORE teams will continue outreach and assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness, including those in areas particularly vulnerable to flooding and other storm impacts.

Ocean safety: The Honolulu Ocean Safety Department is increasing precautions along Oʻahu’s south and east shores as ocean conditions are expected to deteriorate with Tropical Storm Lala. Beginning Friday at 7 a.m., Rescue Operators will conduct additional patrols along the South Shore, with extended coverage through 7:30 p.m. Personnel are also securing equipment, moving critical resources to higher ground where appropriate, fueling vehicles, and preparing emergency response equipment. Lifeguards will continue to warn beachgoers about changing ocean conditions and urge the public to stay informed and use extreme caution as surf conditions increase.


Traffic signals: Department of Transportation Services (DTS) traffic signal crews are continuing normal operations while preparing additional personnel, vehicles, and equipment to respond quickly to any signal outages that may occur during or after the storm.

Support for vulnerable residents: The Department of Community Services (DCS) is reminding residents with medical needs, mobility challenges, or who rely on medications, oxygen, medical equipment, or caregiver assistance to plan ahead for potential storm impacts. Residents should have several days of essential supplies, medications, and oxygen available; charge phones, backup batteries, and medical devices; and have a plan in place in case of a power outage or disruption in caregiver support. DCS is also encouraging everyone to check on kūpuna, family members, friends and neighbors who may need additional help preparing or staying informed.

Parks and recreation: The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is preparing for possible severe weather closures as early as Saturday, August 15. If conditions warrant, City parks and gardens may be closed, with permitted camping, recreational programs, activities, and permitted events suspended. Any fees associated with canceled permits or activities will be refunded. DPR will provide updates as decisions are made and encourages residents with weekend plans at City parks and facilities to monitor official City communications.

Stream and flood preparations: Department of Facility Maintenance crews continued work Thursday to open stream mouths at Kapakahi Stream, Muliwai Ditch, Niu Valley Stream and Kuliʻouʻou Stream. Crews are scheduled to begin work at Kaʻelepulu Thursday night, timed with tidal conditions.

Preparations announced earlier this week are continuing across City government, including securing construction sites, preparing wastewater and refuse operations, protecting emergency communications infrastructure, monitoring reservoirs and streams, conducting outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness, and preparing first responders, equipment and facilities.

Wildfire danger remains

With stronger winds and dry conditions expected Friday, residents should avoid activities that could spark a fire and immediately report signs of fire or smoke.

Residents urged to finish preparations

Residents should use Thursday evening to finish preparations before conditions begin to change.

Secure outdoor furniture and loose objects, charge phones and portable batteries, make sure necessary medications and emergency supplies are available, and know what your family will do if conditions become dangerous.

Residents in flood-prone areas, near streams or along the coastline should closely monitor conditions and be prepared to take action if instructed.

Residents should stay away from shorelines as surf increases and never attempt to cross flooded roads or rapidly moving water.

Check on kūpuna, neighbors, and others who may need assistance.

Sign up for HNL Alert emergency notifications by visiting hnlalert.gov or texting HNLALERT to 888777.

The City will announce any changes to City operations, public transportation, facilities, parks, refuse collection or other services as conditions warrant.

Residents can find emergency preparedness information at www.honolulu.gov/DEM

The City’s next public update is expected Friday morning, or sooner if conditions warrant.

—PAU—
  1. Back
  2. Current News
  3. News Archive

Like Our Facebook

  • RELATED LINKS
    Please send questions about this website to webmaster
    Copyright© 2006 - 2026 FirstFridayHawaii.com. All rights reserved.
    Terms of Use / Legal Disclaimer / Privacy Statement
    Site Designed and Managed by MacBusiness Consulting