Lane threatens direct hit on Hawaii

HONOLULU —Hurricane Lane, a powerful Category 4 storm in the Pacific Ocean, is a threat to the Hawaiian Islands, forecasters say.

According to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, as of 2 p.m. Tuesday, the hurricane is 380 miles south-southeast of Hilo, 555 miles south-southeast of Honolulu, 645 miles southeast of Lihue and 670 miles southeast of Niihau.

It was moving west-northwest at 10 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph.

Lane’s center is predicted to pass close to the island of Hawaii, also known as the “Big Island,” and Maui, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.

A hurricane watch has been issued for Hawaii and Maui counties. In this case, the watch means that at least tropical storm-force winds are expected within 48 hours.

More hurricane watches were expected to be issued for other Hawaiian islands, said the Honolulu-based hurricane center.

While Lane’s strength is expected to weaken slightly upon its approach to the Hawaiian Islands, it was still expected to remain a dangerous hurricane. Beyond its wind strength, the storm was also expected to be a rainmaker through the weekend, bringing the risk of flooding and landslides.

“Lane is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 10 to 15 inches with isolated maximum amounts of 20 inches over the Hawaiian Islands,” the Central Pacific Hurricane Center said.

According to AccuWeather, “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.”

“There is the possibility of Lane making a direct hit on one or more of the islands late this week and into this weekend. The ultimate severity of impacts will depend on the exact track and strength of Lane.

Even in lieu of a direct hit, “Lane has the potential of bringing the state of Hawaii serious and perhaps record damage,” according to AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski.

“All residents and interests on the islands should closely monitor Hurricane Lane and pay particular attention to local officials on possible evacuations and preparations,” Kottlowski said.

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Big Island Interior, Big Island North and East, Big Island Summits, Haleakala Summit, Kahoolawe, Kohala, Kona, Lanai Makai, Lanai Mauka, Leeward Haleakala, Maui Central Valley, Maui Leeward West, Maui Windward West, Molokai Leeward, Molokai Windward, South Big Island, and Windward Haleakala

The National Weather service reported that Hurricane Lane is passing to the south-southeast of the Big Island this morning and is expected to make a turn toward the islands Wednesday into Thursday.

“The onset of damaging tropical storm force winds on the Big Island could be as early as Wednesday, with dangerous hurricane force winds possible by Wednesday night. On Maui county, damaging tropical storm force winds could begin as early as Wednesday night, with dangerous hurricane force winds possible starting on Thursday. Hurricane Watches may be needed for other areas as Lane draws closer,” NWS said.

“Bands of intense showers and thunderstorms surrounding Lane will begin to overspread the state from south to north, reaching the Big Island late tonight or Wednesday morning. Excessive rainfall is possible which could lead to major flash flooding, landslides and mudslides. Flooding can occur even in areas not usually prone to flooding. Storm total rainfall amounts greater than 20 inches are possible.

“Swell generated by Lane could bring very large and rough surf and dangerous rip currents for south and southeast facing shores.

“Tornadoes and large waterspouts will be possible associated with Lane, mainly along and to the right of the track of the hurricane,” NWS said.

Lane is currently at Category 4 strength but is expected to weaken gradually as it turns northwestward near the Hawaiian Islands.

There is a chance that Lane will track over western parts of the Big Island then regain westward motion, which would take it close to much of the rest of the island chain, according to AccuWeather.

“People should be prepared for power outages, coastal flooding, beach erosion, downed trees and major travel disruptions,” according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski.