HONOLULU — A disturbance southeast of the Hawaiian Islands, designated Invest 93C, has a high chance of developing into Tropical Storm Lala this week and is expected to turn westward toward Hawaii by the weekend, meteorologists said Tuesday. While the track and intensity remain uncertain, officials are urging residents to review emergency plans and prepare for higher seas, surf and rain.
Probability and timing
Forecast guidance currently assigns Invest 93C a roughly 90% chance of developing into a tropical depression or named storm within the next seven days. If it reaches tropical-storm strength it will be named Lala. Model runs show a general westward turn toward the islands, but meteorologists emphasize significant uncertainty remains about how close the system will approach and how strong it may become.
| Item | Current assessment |
|---|---|
| Designation | Invest 93C |
| Chance of development (7 days) | ~90% |
| Possible name | Lala |
| Earliest local impacts | Saturday–Sunday (increased seas, surf and rain) |
Why strengthening is favored — and what could limit it
The Central Pacific is currently influenced by a strong El Niño, which has pushed ocean temperatures above average. Warmer water provides energy that can help a tropical system intensify. Forecasters noted that those warm waters make strengthening more likely than in cooler years.
At the same time, pockets of dry air remain in the region, and those drier layers can interfere with a storm’s ability to organize and intensify. That mix — warm sea-surface temperatures but some dry air — is a key reason why forecasters are confident Invest 93C will develop but uncertain about whether it will strengthen into a hurricane before or near the islands.
Potential impacts for Hawaii
Even if the system does not make landfall, residents should anticipate impacts commonly associated with passing tropical systems:
- Elevated surf and dangerous rip currents along exposed shores
- Higher than normal coastal erosion and localized flooding in low-lying areas
- Increased rain chances with locally heavy downpours
- Possible disruptions to marine operations, inter-island boating and outdoor events
Forecasters say the earliest noticeable effects — especially seas and surf — could begin by Saturday or Sunday, depending on the system’s forward speed and track.
What residents should do now
Officials are not calling for panic, but they advise households and businesses to use this lead time to ensure preparedness. Practical steps include:
- Reviewing and updating your hurricane and emergency plan
- Checking emergency supplies: water, medications, batteries and first-aid items
- Securing outdoor items and boats that could be affected by high surf or winds
- Monitoring official forecasts from the National Weather Service and county emergency management offices
Given the forecast uncertainty, residents should keep checking authoritative sources for changes to the track and intensity outlooks. Emergency declarations, watches or warnings may come with relatively short notice if the system shifts closer or strengthens more rapidly than expected.
Where to get updates
Island residents should follow updates from the National Weather Service Honolulu, county emergency management agencies and official channels for guidance tailored to each island. Reliable local information will provide the most relevant advice about watches, warnings and transit or school impacts.
We will continue to monitor the system and provide updated information as forecasts evolve and county officials release guidance. Prepare now, stay informed and follow official advisories should the situation change.
