Hawaii braces for Lala to hit Big Island as hurricane

Tropical Storm Lala is forecast to hit Hawaii's Big Island with hurricane force on Saturday, bringing dangerous winds, rain and surf after Governor Josh Green declared a state of emergency.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in its latest advisory that the tropical cyclone was about 420 miles, or 680 kilometers, southeast of Hilo and had winds of 60 miles per hour.

A hurricane warning was in effect for Hawaii County, which covers the Big Island. A tropical storm warning was in force for Maui, Molokai and Kahoolawe, with lower-level tropical storm watches for other islands.

Forecasters predicted 8 to 12 inches of rain across Maui and the Big Island, with up to 25 inches in parts of the Big Island. Storm surge of 1 to 3 feet was also forecast, and rough conditions could persist into Sunday.

Green said the emergency declaration was intended to ensure the state and counties had enough resources to clear debris, secure infrastructure and take other preparation measures.

Hawaii's emergency management agency urged residents to clear gutters and drains, move valuables off the ground, seal gaps in doors and remove threatening tree limbs. It also warned people to stay away from beaches and coastal areas because rough surf and rip currents could sweep them away.

NOAA said a powerful El Nino had formed in the central equatorial Pacific and predicted a 69 percent chance of a historic event exceeding the strength of previous El Nino events dating back to 1950 when it peaks between October and December.