TS Lane May Become Another Close Encounter for Hawai‘i

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Thursday, Aug 16, 2018: NWS National Hurricane Center, Miami, Florida

Similar to Hurricane Hector over a week ago, which passed south of the Big Island with minimal impacts, Tropical Storm Lane may make a run at Hawai‘i next week.

TS Lane is expected to strengthen rapidly, whipping up hurricane force winds by late Thursday or early Friday morning, likely becoming at least a Category 3 hurricane by the weekend.

Currently, Lane is 1,900 miles ESE of Hilo moving west at 14 mph.

Maximum sustained wind speed is 60 mph with gusts to 70 mph.

Satellite imagery shows Lane has begun to develop an eye. The developing hurricane is forecast to move west of 140º west into the Central Pacific by Sunday morning.

The more latitude Lane gains, the better the chance of parts of the islands experiencing at least some direct impacts—high winds, heavy rain, increased coastal flooding—next week, particularly the Big Island.

A track somewhat similar to Hector is most likely at this point, with the closest approach to the Big Island Tuesday or Wednesday.

If Lane maintains a more westward trajectory like Hector did, it may pass far enough south of the islands to cause only showers, high surf and rip currents.

But at this time, it remains uncertain whether Lane will directly affect the islands next week.

For now, Hawaiian Island residents and visitors should monitor Lane through next week.

Now is a good time to prepare, including putting together an emergency kit and a family emergency plan in case the hurricane becomes an imminent threat.