Tropical Storm Lala Is Approaching Hawaii: Here's How to Protect Your Home

Hurricane conditions are possible on the Big Island as early as this weekend. Here's what residents need to know, and how to stop water at the door before the storm arrives.

Hawaii is bracing for its most significant tropical threat in years. Tropical Storm Lala formed in the Central Pacific and is on track to pass near or just south of the Big Island, with forecasters warning it could strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane before it arrives. Hawaii's governor has declared a statewide emergency, and a Hurricane Warning is already in effect for Hawaii Island, with a Tropical Storm Watch covering Maui County.

For homeowners across the islands, the question isn't just whether Lala makes landfall — storms that pass close by can still drive damaging wind, rain, and water intrusion onto exposed homes. Here's what's known about the storm right now, and the simple step you can take today to protect one of the most vulnerable points of entry: your sliding glass doors.

Cat 1 Hurricane strength possible near Big Island

25" Max rainfall possible on Big Island

30ft+ Potential wave heights along exposed shores

 

Lala is forecast to bring sustained winds in the 60-75 mph range as it nears the islands, with gusts higher still, especially on windward slopes where wind speeds can run up to 30% stronger than official readings. Forecasters say rainfall, not wind, may be the storm's most dangerous impact, with totals of 8 to 12 inches expected across Maui and the Big Island, and isolated totals as high as 25 inches in higher terrain — a setup for life-threatening flooding and mudslides.

Even storms that stay just offshore can push significant water onto land. In 2024, Hurricane Hone passed roughly 50 miles south of the Big Island and still generated 18-foot waves and more than 20 inches of rain. Lala is tracking a similar path, which means homes across the islands should prepare for real impact even without a direct hit.

Bottom line: If you're in Hawaii, especially on the Big Island or Maui County, this is the window to prepare — not the day the storm arrives.

 

When people think about storm prep, they think about shutters, plywood, and flying debris. But one of the most common — and most preventable — sources of storm damage is water intrusion through the tracks of sliding glass doors. Wind-driven rain doesn't need a broken window to get inside; it just needs a gap, and standard door tracks aren't built to keep water out under hurricane-force wind and rain.

Once water gets past the track, it doesn't stop at the door. It spreads into flooring, drywall, insulation, and electrical systems, turning a manageable storm into a costly, drawn-out repair.

The cost of doing nothing

According to FEMA, water damage from storms like this can run upward of $35,000 per incident once flooring, drywall, and remediation are factored in — often for damage that started at a single door track.

StormArmour is built specifically to close this gap. It blocks up to 99% of water intrusion through the tracks of sliding glass doors, giving your home real protection exactly where standard doors fail. The system is impact-rated and engineered to withstand Category 5 wind conditions — well beyond what Lala is expected to bring — and it carries Miami-Dade NOA approval, one of the toughest wind and water intrusion standards in the country.

•     Blocks up to 99% of water intrusion through sliding glass door tracks, the most common entry point for storm water.

•     Impact-rated and built for Category 5 winds, so it's engineered to handle far more than a Category 1 storm like Lala.

•     Miami-Dade NOA approved, meeting one of the most rigorous hurricane protection standards in the industry.

•     Installs ahead of the storm, so it's ready before the first band of rain arrives.

•     Sign up for local emergency alerts through your county's emergency management agency.

•     Stock your safe space with food, water, medicine, flashlights, and backup power in case of outages.

•     Inspect sliding glass doors now, and address any gaps at the tracks before wind-driven rain arrives.

•     Secure outdoor furniture and anything that could become wind-borne debris.

•     Have a plan for higher-terrain flooding and mudslide risk if you're in the Big Island's affected areas.

What is StormArmour?

StormArmour is a hurricane protection system designed to block water intrusion through the tracks of sliding glass doors. It blocks up to 99% of water intrusion and is impact-rated to withstand Category 5 wind conditions.

How does StormArmour block water intrusion?

StormArmour seals the track of your sliding glass door — the most common point where wind-driven rain gets into a home during a storm — without requiring a full door or window replacement.

Is StormArmour rated for hurricane-force winds?

Yes. StormArmour is impact-rated and built to withstand Category 5 wind conditions, the highest classification on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale — well beyond what Tropical Storm Lala is expected to bring to Hawaii.

Does StormArmour have official approval or certification?

StormArmour carries Miami-Dade NOA (Notice of Acceptance) approval, one of the most rigorous wind and water intrusion standards for building products in the country.

How much does water damage from sliding glass doors typically cost?

According to FEMA, water damage from a single storm event can cost upward of $35,000 once flooring, drywall, and remediation are factored in — and it often starts at an unprotected door track.

How long does StormArmour take to install?

StormArmour is designed to install ahead of a storm, so homeowners can have protection in place before wind-driven rain arrives, without the lead time required for full door replacements.

Do I need to replace my sliding glass doors to use StormArmour?

No. StormArmour is built to work with your existing sliding glass doors, protecting the track itself rather than requiring a full door or frame replacement.

Will StormArmour protect my home from Tropical Storm Lala?

Tropical Storm Lala is forecast to bring hurricane-strength wind and heavy rain to parts of Hawaii. Because StormArmour is impact-rated for Category 5 conditions, it's built to withstand impacts well beyond what Lala is expected to produce.

When should I install StormArmour before a storm?

It's best to install StormArmour well ahead of hurricane season or as soon as a storm is being tracked toward your area, rather than waiting until a watch or warning is issued.

 

Protect Your Doors Before the Storm Hits StormArmour blocks up to 99% of water intrusion through sliding glass door tracks — impact-rated protection built for Category 5 winds. Get Storm-Ready Now

Storm details current as of August 13-14, 2026, based on National Hurricane Center and Hawaii Emergency Management Agency advisories. Forecasts can change quickly — always follow official guidance from the NHC and your local emergency management agency for the latest information.