Category One Storm Brings Life-Threatening Conditions to Hawaiis Big Island

Hawaii is facing a potentially devastating storm system that could bring the first direct hit from a hurricane in 34 years.

Category One Storm Lala Brings Life-Threatening Conditions

Lala, a category one storm with sustained winds of 75mph (120km/h), has been churning off Hawaii's coast for days, posing a significant threat to the islands' residents and infrastructure.

The storm is expected to make landfall or pass close to the southern tip of Big Island on Saturday, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and a 3ft storm surge that could cause widespread flooding and mudslides.

A hurricane warning has been issued for Big Island, while Maui County, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau are under a tropical storm warning. Officials have urged residents to prepare for 'life-threatening' conditions, including flash flooding and dangerous surf.

The last time a hurricane made landfall on Hawaii's Big Island was 155 years ago, according to the Associated Press news agency. Over the weekend, Lala will continue moving westwards, potentially weakening into a tropical storm as it passes just below Hawaii's other islands.

Watch: Strong winds and downpours in Maui and Honolulu as storm Lala approaches

Hawaii Governor Josh Green has warned residents to brace for 'an incredible amount of water' and damaging winds, heavy rain, and flash flooding across the state through the weekend.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued dire forecasts for areas within Big Island's south-east, where the storm is expected to bring the most severe conditions. Flights have been grounded at both Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport and Hilo International Airport, with 40% of flights cancelled at Kona and 80% at Hilo.