Hurricane Lane’s Approach Brings Heavy Rainfall and Flooding to Hawaiian Islands

As Hurricane Lane moves north toward the main Hawaiian Islands, flooding has already begun. Per the NOAA’s Central Pacific Hurricane Center’s 2:00 am HST update, the storm is currently a Category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale with maximum sustained winds near 120 mph. Current forecasts show the storm is slowing and its path bending westward, but the center of Lane is anticipated to move either over or near to portions of the main Hawaiian islands later today and into this evening. Some of the islands are already experiencing heavy rains and flooding. In response to this dangerous storm, President Trump issued an emergency declaration for Hurricane Lane – FEMA EM-3399.

Proximity alone to Hurricane Lane has already proved treacherous. For instance, Hakalau Station on the Big Island reported more than 30 inches of rain in about 24 hours. As the storm approaches the most populous island of O’ahu – even though NOAA predicts its path to turn away from the island chain – Hurricane Lane could still dump enough rain to cause dangerous flooding, storm surge, and mudslides.

Image: NOAA Central Pacific Hurricane Center Forecast Cone as of 8/24/18 at 2:00 am HST

PUBLIC ADVISORIES

Here’s the breakdown of public advisories from NOAA’s Central Pacific Hurricane Center in decreasing order of severity:

• A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the following:
  • O’ahu
  • Maui County, including the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe
• A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Hawaii County
• A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Kauai County including the islands of Kauai and Niihau

As flash flooding has begun impacting the Hawaiian Islands with Lane’s approach, FEMA has cautioned residents to find proper sheltering.

Hawaii: If you don’t live in a flood-prone area, prepare to shelter-in-place. If you do live in a flood-prone area, prepare for the possibility of moving to an emergency shelter. To find nearby locations, text SHELTER & your zip code (i.e. SHELTER 12345) to 43362. #HurricaneLane pic.twitter.com/ZNPCKtG9Xy

— FEMA (@fema) August 24, 2018

RESOURCES

Below is a list of information resources to be prepared for the impact of Hurricane Lane:

• National Weather Service Office of Honolulu, HI 
• NOAA Central Pacific Hurricane Center
• NOAA National Hurricane Center
• National Weather Service – Hurricane Preparedness
• Ready.Gov

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