Hawaii prepares for Hurricane Lane

(August 22, 2018) – Major Hurricane Lane is forecast to close in on Hawaii and threaten lives and property on the islands due to pounding surf, flash flooding, mudslides and strong winds.

Lane was a Category 5, 160-mph hurricane last night and as of this morning Hawaii Time, Lane is a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 130 to 156 mph.

Lane is forecast to move dangerously close to the main Hawaiian Islands as a hurricane tomorrow through August 25. The farther west Lane tracks prior to making an anticipated northward turn for a time may lower the severity of impacts.

As Lane will be slow-moving as it nears the islands, prolonged heavy rainfall and life-threatening flash flooding will be possible. Large and damaging surf can be expected along exposed shorelines, along with localized storm surge.

As Lane approaches the islands from the southeast, initial impacts will be felt on the Big Island and Maui County, where a Hurricane Warning is in effect. Impacts on Kauai County and Oahu are also possible, and a Hurricane Watch is in effect there.