Hurricane Lane Strengthens, Threatening Hawaiian Islands
by Jessica Montevago
The category 5 Hurricane is roughly 370 miles south-southeast of Kona as it moves northwestward into the Hawaiian Island. Photo: NOAA
Hurricane Lane has strengthened to a Category 5 storm, the National Weather Service (NWS) said Tuesday, as it moves towards the main Hawaiian Islands this Thursday through Saturday.
The storm’s maximum sustained winds are nearly 160 mph, according to the NWS, which will slowly weaken over the next 48 hours. However, “Lane is forecast to remain a dangerous hurricane as it draws closer to the Hawaiian Islands,” the agency said.
A hurricane warning is now in effect for the Big Island, while a hurricane watch is in effect for Maui County and Oahu. The County of Hawaii’s mayor, Harry Kim, declared a state of emergency on the Big Island, effective Tuesday morning.
5pm: Powerful Hurricane #Lane continues moving closer to the Hawaiian Islands. A Hurricane Warning has been issued for the Big Island, a Hurricane Watch continues for Maui County. A Hurricane Watch has been issued for Honolulu County. Please monitor https://t.co/YJ5m2u0zl8 #hiwx pic.twitter.com/E7cvcBUJ2g
— NWSHonolulu (@NWSHonolulu) August 22, 2018
Lane is one of the strongest storms to ever move over the Hawaiian Islands.The Central Pacific Hurricane Center forecasts continue to show that all islands are at risk from direct effects from the core of Hurricane Lane.
Weather officials warn the island chain will see high surf, rip currents, winds and heavy rain. Bands of heavy rain will dump as much as 20 inches moving northward across the state, according to the CPHC. Excessive rainfall could trigger widespread, life-threatening flash flooding and landslides; and dangerous rip currents along south, southeast and southwest facing shores.
Damaging tropical-storm-force winds on the Big Island could start as early as this afternoon or evening, with dangerous hurricane force winds possible by tonight, and moving into Maui and Oahu by Thursday.
After signing an emergency proclamation for disaster relief, Gov. David Ige said, “I urge our residents and visitors to take this threat seriously and prepare for a significant impact.”
