Daily Archives: August 15, 2026

Weather

Tropical Storm Lala Takes Aim at Hawaii:

Tropical Storm Lala Takes Aim at Hawaii: Big Island Under Hurricane Warning

Flash flood warning issued for Oʻahu. Watch remains statewide | Hawai'i Public Radio

August 15, 2026

Hawaii Braces for a Dangerous Storm

Hawaii is facing a serious tropical weather threat today as Tropical Storm Lala approaches the Big Island, with forecasters warning that the storm could strengthen into a hurricane as it moves toward southern Hawaii.

As of Saturday morning, Lala was about 100 miles southeast of South Point on the Big Island, moving west-northwest at about 13 mph. Maximum sustained winds were near 65 mph, with stronger gusts. A tropical storm becomes a hurricane when sustained winds reach 74 mph.

Hurricane Warning in Effect

A hurricane warning is in effect for Hawaii County, covering the Big Island. Tropical storm warnings also cover Maui County, Oahu and Kauai County.

The National Hurricane Center warns that Lala could produce 8 to 12 inches of rain, with isolated totals reaching 25 inches on the Big Island. That amount of rainfall could cause dangerous flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in mountainous areas.

Residents are also facing:

  • 🌧️ Life-threatening flooding
  • ⛰️ Mudslides in steep terrain
  • 🌊 Dangerous surf and rip currents
  • 💨 Hurricane-force winds in exposed areas
  • ⚡ Possible power outages
  • 🔥 Increased wildfire concerns in some areas

A Rare Threat for Hawaii

The storm is particularly significant because the Big Island has not experienced a direct hurricane landfall in more than a century.

Officials say a direct hit would be an extremely unusual event, with historical research indicating the last direct hurricane strike on the Big Island occurred in 1871.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green has declared a state of emergency, while emergency officials and the National Guard are preparing for possible flooding, wind damage and evacuations.

Atlantic Hurricane Season Remains Relatively Quiet

While Lala is threatening Hawaii in the Pacific, the Atlantic has been comparatively quiet.

Tropical Storm Cristobal recently weakened and no longer poses a threat, while other Atlantic disturbances have struggled with strong wind shear associated with El Niño. NOAA continues to forecast a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season, with a 75% chance of below-normal activity.

Stay Alert

For people in Hawaii, the message from emergency officials is simple: do not underestimate this storm.

Conditions can change quickly, especially near the coast and in mountainous areas. Residents should follow official evacuation and emergency instructions, stay away from flooded roads and dangerous surf, and continue monitoring updates from the National Hurricane Center and local authorities.

Lala is a reminder that even during a quieter hurricane season, one storm can create a serious and potentially historic threat.

Bev Nice — bevnice.ca

Breaking News

7.7 Earthquake Strikes Eastern Indonesia

Major 7.7 Earthquake Strikes Eastern Indonesia — Death Toll Rises

Shallow Indonesian quake damages houses, injures residents - RTL Today

August 15, 2026

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck eastern Indonesia early Saturday, causing widespread destruction across parts of Flores and surrounding areas.

The earthquake struck near Nagekeo in East Nusa Tenggara, with the U.S. Geological Survey reporting a depth of about 10 kilometres. The strong shaking caused buildings and homes to collapse and triggered landslides that have made rescue operations difficult.

Dozens killed as rescue operations continue

At least 47 people have been reported dead, with more injured, and authorities warn that the toll could rise as emergency crews reach isolated communities.

The town of Maumere has reported fatalities and people trapped beneath rubble. Roads have been blocked by landslides, while power and communications have been disrupted in some areas.

More than 2,000 people have been evacuated, and significant damage has been reported to homes, schools and other public facilities.

Tsunami warning lifted

Authorities initially issued a tsunami warning following the earthquake. The warning was later lifted after monitoring indicated that there was no continuing major tsunami threat.

Small tsunami waves were nevertheless recorded in several locations, with reports of waves reaching around 1.5 metres in some areas.

Aftershocks add to the danger

More than 200 aftershocks have been recorded, including one measuring approximately magnitude 6.1.

Emergency officials are facing a difficult situation as damaged roads, landslides and communication problems slow efforts to reach some of the hardest-hit communities.

What happens next?

Rescue teams are continuing to search damaged buildings while authorities assess the full scale of the destruction. The immediate priorities are finding survivors, treating the injured, providing shelter and restoring access to isolated communities.

Indonesia sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most active earthquake and volcanic zones, making strong earthquakes and aftershocks a recurring hazard.

This is a developing story. Figures and damage reports may change as emergency crews reach more affected areas.

Source: Reuters, Associated Press and other official/emergency reporting.

cfl

CFL UPDATE: WEEK 11 HEATS UP

CFL UPDATE: WEEK 11 HEATS UP

August 15, 2026 | bevnice.ca

The 2026 Canadian Football League season has reached its halfway point, and the playoff races are beginning to take shape. Montreal continues to set the pace, while Saskatchewan and Edmonton are battling near the top of the West.

Friday Night: Winnipeg Gets the Win

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers defeated the Ottawa REDBLACKS 33–21 on Friday night, improving Winnipeg to 5–4. Ottawa remains winless at 0–9.

BC also picked up an important win earlier in the week, defeating Calgary to make it three straight victories for the Lions. Nathan Rourke threw two touchdown passes to Keon Hatcher Sr. and added a rushing touchdown.

Saturday’s CFL Action

Two games are scheduled for Saturday, August 15:

Toronto Argonauts at Edmonton Elks — 3:00 p.m. ET

Edmonton enters the game with a 6–3 record and is looking to remain near the top of the West. Toronto is 4–4 and can move above .500 with a victory.

Saskatchewan Roughriders at Hamilton Tiger-Cats — 7:00 p.m. ET

Saskatchewan is 6–2 and has established itself as one of the CFL’s strongest teams. Hamilton, at 3–6, needs a win to stay in the Eastern Division race.

CFL Standings

West Division

Team Record
Saskatchewan Roughriders 6–2
Edmonton Elks 6–3
Winnipeg Blue Bombers 5–4
Calgary Stampeders 4–6
BC Lions 4–5

East Division

Team Record
Montreal Alouettes 8–1
Toronto Argonauts 4–4
Hamilton Tiger-Cats 3–6
Ottawa REDBLACKS 0–9

Montreal remains the league’s top team, while Saskatchewan has climbed the CFL’s latest power rankings following a strong first half of the season.

The Big Story

With the season now at the halfway mark, every game matters more. Montreal has created some breathing room in the East, but the West remains wide open with Saskatchewan, Edmonton and Winnipeg all in strong playoff positions.

The next few weeks could go a long way toward determining who will be fighting for the Grey Cup later this year

sports

Blue Jays Update — August 15, 2026

Blue Jays Update — August 15, 2026

BLUE JAYS 3 — YANKEES 1

Toronto opened the weekend series with a big win over New York, improving to 60–64 and winning 4 of their last 5 games.

  • Alejandro Kirk was the hero, driving in the go-ahead run with a sixth-inning double and adding a solo homer.
  • Shane Bieber went six innings and allowed just one run.
  • Louis Varland closed it out for his 27th save.
  • The Jays are now 4–4 against the Yankees this season.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. left the game after a collision while scoring in the sixth. He was being evaluated under concussion protocol.

🚨 Today’s big question

Will Vladimir Guerrero Jr. be available for Saturday’s game? Toronto faces the Yankees again at Rogers Centre this afternoon, with first pitch scheduled for 3:07 p.m. ET.

The Jays are heating up at exactly the right time.