US: Hurricane warning extended to Oahu August 22 as Lane approaches /update 6

Event

The US National Weather Service (NWS) issued a hurricane warning for the island of Oahu at 17:00 (local time) Wednesday, August 22. The island now joins Hawai'i and Maui counties (Big Island, Maui, Lanai, Moloka'i, and Kaho'olawe) that are also under a hurricane warning with tropical storm-force winds affecting the Big Island beginning early Thursday, August 23. The islands of Kauai and Ni'ihau are under a hurricane watch. Hurricane Lane is expected to slowly curve northwest off the shore of the Hawai'ian islands, bringing heavy rain, damaging winds, and dangerous surf. Lane is currently a Category 4 storm with 231 km/h (144 mph) sustained winds and is expected to remain a hurricane until late Saturday, August 25.

Rainfall of more than 50 cm (20 in) and storm surges of 4.5-7.6 m (15-25 ft) are possible and could result in major flooding and mudslides. Strong winds may result in structural damage and cause power and communication outages. Strong surf will likely produce dangerous waves and rip currents along south- and southeast-facing shores. Consequent transportation disruptions (including flight delays and cancelations) are expected over the coming days due to the storm.

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, 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.