The state of Hawaii braces for the worst as Hurricane Lane closes in on Hawaii. Heavy rains from the outer bands of the hurricane are pounding Hawaii’s Big Island, spawning flash flood warnings and landslides as residents across the state bunker down for the most powerful storm to hit the state since 1992.
The National Weather Service’s Central Pacific Hurricane Center said that Lane is still a Category 4 storm with winds of 130 mph and is located about 305 miles south of Honolulu, traveling northwest.
Highway 19 has been blocked in “multiple areas” due to landslides, according to The Hawaii Police Department. “Roadways extremely hazardous due to debris and water on the roadway,” Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency tweeted.
As much as 20 inches of rain is expected on the Big Island. Winds are expected to increase, however strong upper level winds will weaken the storm overall as it passes over Hawaii.
Lane is expected to weaken to a Category 1 storm with winds between 74 and 95 mph by late Friday, but its track is still uncertain. Landfall on another island is still possible.
Officials opened shelters on the Big Island and on the islands of Maui, Molokai and Lanai on Wednesday. However, due to the limited shelter space, officials stated it should be a “last resort.”
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has already prepared several barges with food, water and supplies. FEMA Administrator Brock Long said that everything was moved into the region ahead of Hurricane Hector, which passed closely to the islands more than a week ago.
President Trump also approved an emergency declaration for Hawaii on Thursday, allowing FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts. The U.S. Navy said Wednesday it was moving its ships and submarines out of Hawaii. Vessels that are not currently undergoing maintenance are positioned to help respond after the storm, if needed.
By: Maytinee Kramer
