Tropical Storm Lala is becoming more powerful as it approaches Hawaii and a Hurricane Watch has been issued for Hawaii County on the Big Island.
According to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, Lala was located 705 miles east-southeast of Hilo and packing 40-mph winds on Thursday morning.
"Steady strengthening” is expected as the storm is poised to pass just south of the Big Island on Saturday.
Lala is not expected to become a hurricane by Saturday, but the Central Pacific Hurricane Center explained why hurricane conditions are possible in an advisory:
"Hurricane conditions are possible in the Big Island of Hawaii by early Saturday. Wind speeds atop and on the windward sides of hills and mountains are often up to 30% stronger than the near-surface
winds indicated in this advisory, and in some elevated locations could be even greater.”
Tropical Storm Lala will deliver heavy rainfall totals – 5 to 10 inches, up to 20 inches in places – throughout the Hawaiian islands.
High surf, storm surges and flooding also are likely.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Hurricane Watch issued as Tropical Storm Lala nears Hawaii
