Hurricane Lala: Deaths, Snow on Mauna Kea

Hurricane Lala brushed the Hawaiian Islands rather than making landfall, bringing hurricane-strength winds and torrential rain. The Big Island and other islands faced widespread power outages and life-threatening flooding and mudslides; at least one death was reported. Rainfall totals approached or exceeded two feet in many areas, with higher amounts on windward slopes. Officials warned continued dangerous conditions, including road closures, damaged buildings, and swept-away homes, as crews worked to respond. Unusually, Mauna Kea summit reported snow as outer bands brought extreme cold at high elevations, while the storm tilted westward. As Lala moves south of the main islands, advisories remain in effect and conditions could deteriorate with ongoing flood and wind risks.