Hawaii braces for potential first direct hit by a hurricane in 34 years

Hawaii is bracing for what could be its first direct hit from a hurricane since 1992, as category one storm Lala churns off its coast.

With wind speeds as high as 80mph (130km/h), Lala gained hurricane strength on Saturday. In a worst-case scenario, it could dump up to 63cm of rain on Big Island and produce a 3ft storm surge.

A hurricane warning is in effect for Big Island, while Maui County, Oahu, Kauai and Niihau are under tropical storm warnings. Officials have told residents to prepare for "life-threatening" conditions, including floods and mudslides.

The storm is expected to either make landfall or pass close to the southern tip of Big Island on Saturday, before continuing west.