Hurricane Lane has grown into a powerful category 5 storm and is expected to bring winds of up to 160 mph as it travels closer to the U.S. islands of Hawaii, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Aug. 21. Residents are now bracing for hazardous conditions.
The hurricane is expected to move “dangerously close to or over the main Hawaiian Islands” from Aug. 23 to Aug. 25, with some weakening expected over the next few days. Hawaii could experience damaging tropical storm force winds as early as Aug. 22 and dangerous hurricane force winds on the next day.
Big impacts expected on the Hawaiian Islands over the next few days as #HurricaneLane bears down. It was upgraded to a dangerous Cat 5 hurricane this morning with wind speeds of 160mph. Looking very ominous from space…? pic.twitter.com/M7sSBk8Qeu
— Simon King (@SimonOKing) August 22, 2018
Oahu and Maui County, including the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe, are currently on hurricane watch—which is usually issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds in an area.
Residents have been warned to prepare for the dangerous conditions that could include torrential rainfall, major flash flooding, landslides, mudslides and rough surf conditions leading to potential significant damage to coastal properties and infrastructure, including roadways, according to a NOAA warning.
“Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion,” the NOAA’s National Hurricane Center said.
“Slow weakening is forecast during the next 48 hours, but Lane is forecast to remain a dangerous hurricane as it draws closer to the Hawaiian Islands.”
Many residents have shared their experiences on social media while preparing for the storm.
35+ minutes to get gas so I can save like $6 ? #HurricaneLane #hitraffic #Costco pic.twitter.com/2K7rl1IJVt
— koreankitkat (@koreankitkat) August 22, 2018
The grocery store the night before the hurricane hits was tropical hell. #neveragain #HurricaneLane
— Annette Little (@bonjour_annette) August 22, 2018
All Costco’s on Oahu are sold out of water. This is the water section at Costco Iwilei 24 hours ago compared to now. #HurricaneLane #HIwx #Lane #Hawaii @CivilBeat pic.twitter.com/eruCRF8RnN
— Anthony Quintano (@AnthonyQuintano) August 22, 2018
Any devastation caused by winds and flooding may make locations uninhabitable for weeks and authorities warned Hawaii residents to be prepared to evacuate their homes, reported Reuters.
Hurricane Lane is only one of two category 5 hurricanes to pass within 350 miles of the state, according to National Weather Service database records. The last was Hurricane John in 1994.
UPDATE: #Lane is officially a dangerous category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds of 160mph. Lane is only one of two category 5 hurricanes to pass within 350 miles of the state according to database records. The last was Hurricane John in 1994. #hiwx pic.twitter.com/dFY0VvTaX8
— NWSHonolulu (@NWSHonolulu) August 22, 2018
