Hawaii Declares Emergency as 75mph Hurricane Lala Prepares for First Direct Hit on Big Island in 155 Years

HAWAII is bracing for what has the potential to be it’s first hurricane in 155 years as a Tropical Storm gains strength in the region.

The countries Big Island was threatened Saturday with its first possible direct hit as Hurricane Lala roared in the Pacific Ocean and gusty wind, waves and rain pounded the area.

A hurricane warning is in effect for Big Island, while Maui County, Oahu, Kauai and Niihau are under a tropical storm warnings.

Officials warn of the risk of life-threatening mudslides in a mountainous area where people live off the grid in improvised housing.

Governor Josh Green has issued a warning for people to sheltering in place.

The National Hurricane Center said Lalas maximum sustained winds increased to 75 mph (120 kph), making it a Category 1 hurricane.

The cloud wall was forecast to move over or near the islands southern end by the evening, lashing its worst winds at volcanic slopes thousands of feet above sea level.

Shelters have been opened, events were cancelled and ranchers have been urged to leave their cattle in pastures.

Earlier the governor called it an enormous storm, capable of destructive flooding and even the possibility of wildfires kicked up by strong winds across the island chain.

Electricity was knocked out for nearly 20% of customers on the Big Island, according to poweroutage.us .

Mike Caputo, who lives in Keaau, near the Big Island’s east coast, fears flash flooding.

He readied his power generator and checked his 10,000-gallon water tank, in preparation for the extreme weather.

Bobby Camara, a 75-year-old lifelong resident, said he planned to hunker down and cross his fingers.

He said gas stations were busy as people sought fuel for chain saws and vehicles.