24 Aug 2018 | 04:30 AM UTC
US: Hurricane Lane causes flooding, flight cancelations in Hawaii August 23 /update 7
Slow-moving Hurricane Lane causes flooding and landslides across Hawaii on August 23, some August 24 flights canceled
Event
Hurricane Lane continues to affect Hawaii, causing flooding and landslides, as it slowly moves off the coast of the islands on Thursday, August 23. Lane is currently located southwest of the Big Island and expected to bring hurricane conditions to Oahu beginning Thursday evening (local time). The slow movement of the storm will result in heavy rain, increasing the likelihood of major flooding and landslides. Dangerous surf and damaging winds are expected and will likely result in downed trees, blocked roads, and power outages.
In anticipation of the storm, airlines are canceling flights scheduled for Friday, August 24. United Airlines canceled Friday flights to and from Maui and Hawaiian Airlines is canceling all its "Ohana by Hawaiin Airlines" flights. Additionally, as of 15:02 the Kahului Airport (OGG) on Maui was experiencing a power outage and running on backup generators.
US National Weather Service (NWS) reports issued at 17:00 on Thursday indicate that Lane is a Category 3 storm with sustained winds of 195 km/h (120 mph). It is moving north-northwest at 9 km/h (6 mph) and will shift direction to a westerly course on Saturday, August 25. Lane is expected to weaken slightly in the coming days, but remain at hurricane force until Sunday, August 26. Even with slower winds, heavy rainfall is expected. As of 17:00 on Thursday, Lane has brought 45 cm (18 in) of rain to Hilo and more is expected. Hurricane warnings remain in effect for Oahu and Maui counties (Oahu, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Kahoolawe) with a hurricane watch in effect for Kauai county (Kauai and Niihau). Hawai'i county (Big Island) was downgraded to a tropical storm warning at 17:00.
Context
Lane formed as a tropical depression on August 14 and quickly strengthened to a hurricane on August 16. Hurricanes and tropical cyclones are common in the eastern and central Pacific from May through November.
Advice
Individuals present or traveling to Hawaii are advised to keep abreast of weather alerts, adhere to any advice issued by local authorities, confirm flight reservations, anticipate transportation disruptions and power outages, and refrain from beach or ocean activities; hurricanes can produce dangerous waves and deadly rip currents even at large distances from the storm. In the event of flooding, remember that driving and walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.
