Hawaii is battling dangerous flooding and torrential rain after Hurricane Lala swept close to the Big Island.
Tens of thousands are without power and urgent search-and-rescue operations are underway.
Although the Category 1 hurricane stayed offshore, its impact has been anything but minor.
Winds reached 91mph (147km/h), while some areas could receive up to 35 inches (89cm) of rain.
Officials say the flooding may have swept several occupied homes from their foundations.
Mayor Kimo Alameda said rescuers face treacherous conditions.
“Rushing water, debris, boulders on the road, and darkness” complicating the search.
One person has already died in a weather-related car accident, while nearly 115,000 customers were without electricity.
Widespread Flooding From Lala
Several hospitals also lost power but switched to backup generators.
The danger is spreading beyond the Big Island. Tropical storm warnings cover all eight major Hawaiian islands.
Heavy rain and damaging winds expected to move westward.
Meteorologist Jennifer Myers described the scene in Hilo as startling, saying the normally blue bay had turned “blood red” from sediment and floodwater.
Authorities are urging residents to stay off the roads and prepare for potentially life-threatening flooding.
Lala may be a relatively weak hurricane by category—but the rainfall is proving that storm strength tells only part of the story.
