As of 5:00 p.m. HST, the National Weather Service reported that Hurricane Lane has been downgraded to a tropical storm, with maximum sustained winds of 70 miles per hour. Tropical Storm Lane is now moving 4 miles per hour in a westward direction away from the Hawaiian Islands and forecasted to become a tropical depression by Saturday night.
Tropical Storm Lane, the center of which was 150 miles south-southwest of Honolulu at 5:00 p.m. HST, underwent a rapid weakening today, a product of strong wind shear and trade winds effectively collapsing the thunderstorm that formed the core of Lane. The island of Hawaii’s mountainous terrain, particularly mammoth Maunaloa and Maunakea, also contributed to the storm losing strength.
The National Weather Service reported that high winds and ocean storm surge are no longer seen as threats to the Hawaiian Islands. The most likely potential threats that remain are rainstorms and flash flooding in localized areas statewide. Rainfall of 5 to 10 inches, with isolated areas receiving up to 15 inches, is possible as the storm follows its westward course south of the Hawaiian Islands.
The island of Hawaii has already borne the brunt of Tropical Storm Lane, receiving up to 36 inches of rain on the island’s east side in a 24-hour period along with reports of flash flooding in several areas, according to the National Weather Service.
George D. Szigeti, president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, cautioned residents and visitors to continue monitoring the weather conditions and to not take unnecessary risks until the storm has completed its pass of the islands.
“The downgrading of Lane to a tropical storm is a huge relief for all of Hawaii, as the entire state has been staring at the rare possibility of being struck by a major hurricane this past week,” said Szigeti. “The continued threats of rainfall and flooding over the next 24 hours need to be taken seriously until we know for certain Tropical Storm Lane is no longer a danger to people and property statewide.”
Several flights were canceled yesterday and earlier today when hurricane warnings were still in effect, creating a backlog of travelers who were scheduled to depart Hawaii these past two days. Travelers affected by these flight cancellations are strongly encouraged to contact their airline providers and secure a confirmed ticket before going to the airport.
Weather Information
Up-to-date online information on the trek of Hurricane Lane is available at the following:
National Weather Service Forecast
Central Pacific Hurricane Center
Emergency Notifications
The public can sign up to receive emergency notifications at the following webpages:
Hurricane Lane Evacuation Shelter List for the State of Hawaii
City and County of Honolulu
Aiea High School
Leilehua High School
Radford High School
Waialua High and Intermediate School
Dole Middle School
Farrington High School
Kaimuki Middle School
Kaiser High School
Kalani High School
McKinley High School
Stevenson Middle School
Campbell High School
Kapolei High School
Leihoku Elementary School
Nanakuli High and Intermediate School
Pearl City High
Waipahu High School
Brigham Young University Hawaii
Castle High School
Waimanalo Elementary and Intermediate School
County of Maui
Hana High and Elementary School
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa Ballroom
Lahaina Christian Fellowship Church
Lahaina Intermediate School
Lanai High and Elementary School
Lokelani Intermediate School
King Kekaulike High School
Maui High School
Molokai High School
County of Hawaii
Hookena Elementary School
Kamehameha Park Hisaoka Gym (Pet Friendly)
Kealakehe High School (Pet Friendly)
Keeau High School
Konawaena High School Gym
Waiakea High School
Waikoloa Elementary and Middle School
County of Kauai
Kilauea Gym
Kilauea Elementary School
Church of the Pacific in Princeville
For a listing of road closures statewide, please refer to the Hawaii State Department of Transportation Highways Division’s website.
For tourism updates please visit the Alerts page of the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
Travelers planning a trip to the Hawaiian Islands who have questions can contact the Hawaii Tourism United States Call Center at 1-800-GOHAWAII (1-800-464-2924).