A composite image showing a hurricane map (top-left) and the results of heavy rains in Hawaii (bottom-left and right). Twitter/National Weather Service…
A composite image showing a hurricane map (top-left) and the results of heavy rains in Hawaii (bottom-left and right). Twitter/National Weather Service/Business Insider
Hurricane Lane has started to lash Hawaii with powerful winds and rain, causing landslides and flooding in parts of the state.
The storm weakened to category 3 as it neared land, but officials are still warning of potentially devastating effects.
The outer edges of the storm began to batter the Big Island on Thursday, causing landslides and flooding that closed roads and forced some people from their homes.
19 inches of rain fell in a 24-hour period, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The island is currently under a flash flood warning.
Areas of the city of Hilo on the Big Island have been submerged after the Wailuku river, the longest river in Hawaii, burst its banks.
Hawaii News Now reports that four people near the river had to be rescued from their homes.
Dramatic videos show the raging waters:
People nearby are being evacuated as a result.
One Instagram user shared footage of flooding in downtown Hilo.
Hurricane Lane has winds of 120 mph (193 kmph). Its path is unpredictable, but NWS warned on Thursday that „center of Lane will move over, or dangerously close to portions of the main Hawaiian islands tonight and Friday.“
The center of the hurricane is not expected to pass over any of the islands, but NWS warns: „Regardless of the exact track, life threatening impacts are likely over many areas as this strong hurricane makes its closest approach.“
Here is the latest map of the hurricane:
A map published by the NWS showing Hurricane Lane late Thursday night Hawaii time. National Weather Service
The hurricane is currently heading towards Oahu, the most populated island, where NWS has issued a hurricane warning.
This video from the National Weather Service in Honolulu shows how much rain is expected to fall as the storm passes:
People on the islands are heading to shelters or boarding up their houses, while an official state of emergency is in place across the islands.
Governor David Ige asked people to stay in place and stockpile goods. „Families should be prepared to shelter in place and have 14 days of food, water and supplies,“ he said on Wednesday .
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