Hawaii Braces As Rare Hurricane Bares Down On Island

Hurricane Lane moves closer to Hawaii

By Pacey on August 22, 2018
(Photo by Scott Kelly/NASA via Getty Images)

Hawaii is preparing as a massive hurricane barrels toward the Big Island.

Hurricane Lane is currently making its way across the Pacific, and taking aim at the Aloha State. However, it appears to be weakening a bit. According to the National Weather Service,  the storm has been downgraded from Category 5 to Category 4. Still extremely dangerous!

A hurricane warning is in effect for Maui and Hawaii – also known as the Big Island. Meanwhile, the islands of Kauai and Oahu island are under a hurricane watch. Hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area on Thursday.

Lane’s maximum sustained winds are currently about 155 mph.  While anywhere from 10-15 inches of rain are predicted for the western part of the Big Island, certain areas may be deluged with more than 20 inches. Flash flooding and landslides are expected. “Large and potentially damaging surf” will affect shorelines facing the west, south and east, the NWS said.

Lane will be the first hurricane to make landfall on Hawaii since 1992 when Hurricane Iniki slammed into Kauai.

 

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