Sources: Hawaii National Guard/Instagram Account @tagofhawaii

Tropical Storm Lala moved west away from Hawaii on Sunday after bringing strong winds, heavy rain and flooding to the islands. The storm had strengthened to a Category 1 hurricane before weakening to a tropical storm. It passed south of the Big Island without making landfall.

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said at least 100 homes on the Big Island were damaged, with some swept away by flooding. More than 180,000 utility customers across Hawaii were without electricity on Sunday afternoon, according to Reuters. One person died in a vehicle-related incident during the storm, while emergency officials continued assessing the damage.

Lala Brings Flooding And Dangerous Road Conditions

The storm affected roads, power lines and homes across parts of the Big Island. Fallen trees and electrical lines made access to some southern communities difficult. Areas around South Point, Pahala and Naalehu reported flooding and debris, according to local reports.

Hawaii Emergency Management Agency officials warned residents about electrical hazards, contaminated water and unstable debris. The agency also advised people to avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas.

The storm’s strongest effects were concentrated near and south of the Big Island before the system moved west toward Kauai. Lala was producing sustained winds of about 65 mph on Sunday afternoon.

 Sources: 'X' Account of Governor Josh Green, Hawaii, USA/ @GovJoshGreenMD 

Power Restoration And Emergency Response Continue

Hawaiian Electric said storm damage, including fallen trees and flooded roads, was slowing repair work. Outages had declined in some areas, but large numbers of customers remained without power.

Emergency shelters were opened as authorities assessed damage and assisted residents. The state also maintained flood-related warnings for several islands as Lala's rain bands continued moving west.

Why Lala Matters For Hawaii?

Lala did not make direct landfall, but its effects show how tropical systems can disrupt communities without passing directly over land. Flooding, wind damage and power failures can continue after a storm's center has moved away.

The National Hurricane Center and Hawaii emergency officials continued monitoring rainfall, flooding and landslide risks as Lala moved farther into the Pacific.