Story perspectives

Lala’s torrential damage tops $100 million

8/18/2026

Summary

Governor Green Warns

Governor Josh Green said Lala swept 100 homes from foundations and caused hundreds of millions in damage.
The National Hurricane Center downgraded Lala to tropical storm Sunday, warning it could become hurricane by Wednesday.
Rainfall peaked at 43 inches in Laupahoehoe and over 35 inches near Nene Cabin, prompting flood warnings.
Emergency Management Director Randy Collins warned cleanup with heavy equipment and downed power lines could cause casualties.

Summary

NOAA Forecasts Quiet

NOAA and the National Hurricane Center project the 2026 Atlantic season will produce 7–13 named storms, 2–6 hurricanes, and up to two major hurricanes.
Strong wind shear and dry air from a persistent El Niño are suppressing development, resulting in a 0% chance of any Atlantic cyclone forming in the next seven days despite four monitored tropical waves.
The list has 21 names with Dolly following Cristobal.

History

Historical Context

In late August 2005 Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, flooding 80 % of New Orleans, breaching 53 levees and causing 1,392 deaths while inflicting $125 billion in damage. The disaster exposed flaws in the Army Corps-engineered flood-protection system and prompted criticism of FEMA’s response, leading to congressional reviews and ongoing upgrades of coastal infrastructure.

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Governor Green Warns

Governor Josh Green said Lala swept 100 homes from foundations and caused hundreds of millions in damage.
The National Hurricane Center downgraded Lala to tropical storm Sunday, warning it could become hurricane by Wednesday.
Rainfall peaked at 43 inches in Laupahoehoe and over 35 inches near Nene Cabin, prompting flood warnings.
Emergency Management Director Randy Collins warned cleanup with heavy equipment and downed power lines could cause casualties.

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