Hawaiian Volcano Update: Hurricane Lala Ahead of Ep. 54 - August 20, 2026

The big story this past week has been Hurricane Lala, which had little impact on its volcanoes but caused widespread destruction across Hawaiʻi Island. With two fatalities confimed thus far, this is the most impactful disaster on our in some time. While sustained winds were in the tropical storm range, gusts of up to 119 mph or 192 kph were recorded in the higher elevations, with widespread wind damage to roofs, trees, and power lines. Rainfall was tremendous, up to 44 inches or 112 cm, causing widespread flooding as well as debris flows, the latter responsible for the deaths and much of the damage near Nāʻālehu and Pāhala. Much of the island lost electricity, and downed trees cut off access to parts of Kaʻū, Puna, and North Kohala.

Today we will review footage from Hurricane/ Tropical Storm Lala and have on Metorologist Jennifer Myers on to discuss the storm before we look at the impact it had on the ground. Many people are still hurting, both physically and psychologically, from this storm. Many are displanced, many more still without power. And our heart goes out to the families of the two storm victims and all the families impacted by the damage to the cemeteries in Nāʻālehu.

The volcano is expected to present its 54th episode between August 22 and 26, similar to the expected arrival time of the next tropical system to the islands. As a result of that and continuing power outages, the National Park is expected to be closed until the weather clears. Deep earthquakes in the magma system have been seen this past week, but we will examine this in more detail in a future broadcast.

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