Damaging Winds from Hurricane Lane Could Begin Affecting Big Island This Afternoon

Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018, Midnight

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Hawai‘i County.

Category 4 Hurricane Lane, 1 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018, by the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for windward Haleakala, Haleakalā summit, Kaho‘olawe, Lānai makai, Lānai mauka, leeward Haleakalā, Maui Central Valley, Maui leeward west, Maui windward west, Moloka‘i leeward, Moloka‘i windward, Central O‘ahu, O‘ahu Ko‘olau, O‘ahu North Shore, O‘ahu South Shore, Olomana, Waianae Coast and Waianae mountains.

Hurricane Lane is about 510 miles south-southeast of Honolulu or about 360 miles SSE of Kailua-Kona.

Winds are blowing at 160 mph.

Movement West-northwest or 285 degrees at 9 mph.

Major Hurricane Lane is passing to the SSE of the Big Island last night and is expected to begin a turn northwest toward the islands later today. The center of Lane will track dangerously close to the islands Thursday through Saturday.

Regardless of the exact track of the center, life threatening impacts are likely in some areas as the hurricane makes it’s closest approach. It is important to remember that impacts from a hurricane extend far from the center of the storm.

The onset of damaging tropical-storm-force winds on the Big Island could start as early as this afternoon or evening, with dangerous hurricane force winds possible by tonight.

In Maui County, damaging tropical-storm-force winds could begin as early Thursday, with dangerous hurricane force winds possible starting on Thursday night.

On O‘ahu, damaging tropical-storm-force winds could begin as early as Thursday, with dangerous hurricane force winds possible by Thursday night into Friday.

Hurricane Watches and Warnings may need to be expanded to include other islands as Lane draws closer.

Bands of intense showers and thunderstorms surrounding Lane will begin to spread across the state from the southeast, reaching the Big Island later this morning. Excessive rainfall is possible which could lead to major flash flooding, landslides and mudslides. Flooding can occur even in areas not usually prone to flooding. Storm total rainfall amounts greater than 20 inches are possible.

Swell generated by Lane will produce very large and rough surf, with dangerous rip currents along south, southeast and southwest facing shores.

Tornadoes and large waterspouts will be possible associated with Lane, mainly along and to the right of the track of the hurricane.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS

FLOODING RAIN
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible devastating impacts across the Hawaiian islands. Potential impacts include:

• Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations and
  rescues.
• Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their banks in many places with deep moving water. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches may become raging rivers. In mountain areas, deadly runoff may rage down valleys while increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed.
• Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover escape
  routes.
• Streets and parking lots become rivers of raging water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become very dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out.

SURGE
Protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across south and west facing coasts. Potential impacts in this area include:

• Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore.
• Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspread with surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places where surge water covers the road.
• Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents.
• Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings.
• Elsewhere across the Hawaiian islands, little to no impact is anticipated.

WIND
Protect against life-threatening wind having possible extensive impacts across across Maui County, Oahu, and western and southern sections of the Big Island. Potential impacts in this area include:

• Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some having window, door, and garage door failures leading to structural damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with some destroyed.
  Damage accentuated by airborne projectiles. Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks.
• Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and roadway signs blown over.
• Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable.
• Large areas with power and communications outages.
• Also, protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across the northern and eastern sections of the Big Island and Kaua‘i.

TORNADOES
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts across the Hawaiian islands. Potential impacts include:

• The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events.
• A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power and communications disruptions.
• Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and small boats pulled from moorings.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

EVACUATIONS
Listen to local official for recommended preparedness actions, including possible evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately.

For those not under evacuation orders, assess the risk from wind, falling trees, and flooding at your location. If you decide to move, relocate to a safer location nearby. If you do
not relocate, help keep roadways open for those under evacuation orders.

If evacuating, leave with a destination in mind and allow extra time to get there. Take your emergency supplies kit.

Gas up your vehicle ahead of time.

Let others know where you are going prior to departure. Secure loose items and pets in the car, and avoid distracted driving.

If evacuating, follow designated evacuation routes. Seek traffic information on roadway signs, the radio, and from official sources.

OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION
Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding.

If you are relocating to safe shelter, leave as early as possible. Allow extra time to reach your destination. Many roads and bridges will be closed once strong winds arrive. Check the latest weather forecast before departing and drive with caution.

Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury or loss of life. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any orders that are issued. Remember, during the storm 9 1 1 Emergency Services may not be able to immediately respond if conditions are unsafe. This should be a big factor in your decision making.

Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly ventilated area.

It is important to remain calm, informed, and focused during an emergency. Be patient and helpful with those you encounter.

If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in which you are staying and the name of the county or parish in which it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay attention for instructions from local authorities.

Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded roadway. Remember, turn around don’t drown!

If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or on a boat, consider moving to a safer shelter before the onset of strong winds or flooding.

Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets for official storm information.

Be ready to adapt to possible changes to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings.

ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org
For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org