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NHC

Hurricane Lala Public Advisory

Advisory Number: 27
500 PM HST Tue Aug 18 2026

782 
WTPA32 PHFO 190253
TCPCP2

BULLETIN
Hurricane Lala Advisory Number 27
NWS Central Pacific Hurricane Center Honolulu HI CP012026
Issued by NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
500 PM HST Tue Aug 18 2026

...LALA NOW A CATEGORY 3 HURRICANE WITH 125 MPH WINDS...
...HURRICANE WARNING ISSUED FOR THE NORTHWESTERN HAWAIIAN
ISLANDS...


SUMMARY OF 500 PM HST...0300 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...20.7N 168.9W
ABOUT 335 MI...535 KM SSE OF MARO REEF
ABOUT 495 MI...795 KM SE OF LISIANSKI ISLAND
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...125 MPH...205 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...WNW OR 285 DEGREES AT 9 MPH...15 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...953 MB...28.15 INCHES


WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY:

The Hurricane Watch for the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National
Monument from Lisianski Island to Maro Reef has been upgraded to a
Hurricane Warning.

The Tropical Storm Watch for the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National
Monument east of Maro Reef to French Frigate Shoals has been
upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for...
* The Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument from Lisianski
Island to Maro Reef

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for...
* The Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument east of Maro Reef
to French Frigate Shoals

A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected
somewhere within the warning area. A warning is typically issued 36
hours before the anticipated first occurrence of
tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside
preparations difficult or dangerous. Preparations to protect life
and property should be rushed to completion.

A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are
expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.


For storm information specific to your area, including possible
inland watches and warnings, please monitor products issued by your
local National Weather Service forecast office.


DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK
----------------------
At 500 PM HST (0300 UTC), the center of Hurricane Lala was located
near latitude 20.7 North, longitude 168.9 West. Lala is moving
toward the west-northwest near 9 mph (15 km/h). A turn toward the
northwest is forecast on Wednesday, followed by a turn toward the
north on Thursday.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 125 mph (205 km/h)
with higher gusts. Lala is a category 3 hurricane on the
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Some additional strengthening
is forecast tonight, followed by slow weakening. Lala is expected
to remain a hurricane for the next several days.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles (35 km) from the
center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 105 miles
(165 km).

The estimated minimum central pressure is 953 mb (28.15 inches).


HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
WIND: Hurricane conditions are expected in the Hurricane Warning
area by Thursday, with tropical storm conditions expected by
Wednesday night. Tropical storm conditions are expected in the
Tropical Storm Warning area by early Thursday.

SURF: Large surf associated with Lala will affect the
Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument beginning early
Wednesday. These large waves will likely inundate some of the
low-lying atolls, especially from French Frigate Shoals to Maro
Reef.


NEXT ADVISORY
-------------
Next intermediate advisory at 800 PM HST.
Next complete advisory at 1100 PM HST.

$$
Forecaster Adams/Pasch

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