Tropical storm Lala to pass south of Kauaʻi, Niʻihau Sunday bringing high winds and heavy rain

Editorʻs Note: Updated at 5:30 a.m. on Aug. 16, 2026.

Lala, which was downgraded to a tropical storm early Sunday morning, will pass south of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau Sunday afternoon into the evening, bringing high winds, rain and strong surf.

The storm now has sustained winds of 70 mph with higher gusts after passing the Big Island. Lala is continuing in a northwest direction at 15 mph, and is expected to gradually turn westward, according to the 5 a.m. Sunday update from the National Hurricane Center.

The storm has moved 140 miles past Kailua-Kona of the Big Island.

A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Kauaʻi, Niʻihau and all of the other main Hawaiian islands. The tropical storm effects of Lala will be felt 175 miles from the core.

Damaging winds and heavy rain have been affecting Big Island and Maui, and conditions are now deteriorating across O‘ahu. Kaua‘i County will feel the effects later Sunday.

The core of the storm is forecast to remain south of the smaller main Hawaiian
Islands and the easternmost Northwestern Hawaiian Islands during the next couple of days.

A gradual weakening trend is forecast Sunday and Monday. Some restrengthening is possible by midweek.

Rainfall between 10 to 17 inches has been observed over the last 15 hours for the eastern portion of the Big Island. Lala is expected to produce additional rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches across the Big Island and Maui County and 4 to 6 inches across the remainder of the island chain. 

For what you need to know about Lala on Kauaʻi, click here.

County of Kaua‘i officials are urging the public to be vigilant due to severe weather conditions.

Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami has signed an emergency proclamation, streamlining the county’s ability to respond quickly and efficiently by expediting necessary processes and reducing administrative barriers, allowing critical resources and services to be deployed without unnecessary delay to help protect lives and property.

High surf advisory now in effect

A high surf advisory is in effect for east-facing shores of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau until 2 p.m. on Sunday. Surf is expected to build significantly as Lala moves westward, with wave heights of 10 to 14 feet possible. Residents should remain alert for changing conditions and continue to monitor the latest forecasts and advisories, as impacts can occur well away from the storm’s center.

Flood watch takes effect Saturday evening

A flood watch for Kauaʻi is in effect from Saturday evening through early Monday morning due to the potential for heavy rain, flash flooding and rapidly rising streams, particularly in windward and mountainous areas. Rainfall of 4 to 6 inches and maximum amounts of 8 inches is forecast for the islands.

After passing the Big Island, Lala is expected to turn westward on Sunday with an increase in forward speed and with the core of the storm staying south of remainder of the main Hawaiian Islands and the easternmost Northwestern Hawaiian Islands through the early part of next week.

Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green urged residents to hunker down and just stay put once the strongest version of Lala arrives on their island.

Visit the National Weather Service Honolulu forecast office website to find storm information specific to your area, such as possible inland advisories, watches and warnings along with being able to monitor your local forecast.