Cyclone Lane On Course to Hawaii

[saidsimplesimon]

I am putting this in general discussion for those who may have friends or relatives living on or visiting the islands. The best outcome would be weakening and a change in course. Prepare for the worst if you are riding out a direct hit.

You can follow the progress at the link provided to NOAA.

http://www.prh.noaa.gov/cphc/

Situation overview
Hurricane Lane remains a major category 4 storm this evening, with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph. As of 11 PM, Hurricane Lane was located around 235 miles south-southwest of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii and 350 miles south-southeast of Honolulu, Hawaii. Lane is moving northwestward at around 7 mph. This general motion is expected to continue tonight, with a turn more towards the north expected Thursday through Friday. A turn back toward the west is then expected on Saturday. The latest forecast track from the Central Pacific Hurricane Center brings the center of Lane dangerously close to the Hawaiian Islands during the Thursday through Saturday time frame. Regardless of the exact track of the storm, life threatening impacts are likely over many areas as this strong hurricane makes its closest approach. All individuals in Hawaii are urged not to focus on the exact forecast track or intensity of Lane, and be prepared for adjustments in future forecast updates. Although the official forecast does not explicitly indicate Lane's center making landfall over any of the islands, this could still occur.

The onset of damaging tropical storm-force winds on the Big Island could occur by early Thursday morning, with dangerous hurricane force winds expected in some areas Thursday afternoon or Thursday night. In Maui County, damaging tropical storm-force winds could begin late Thursday, with dangerous hurricane force winds expected Thursday night into Friday. On Oahu, damaging tropical storm force winds could begin as early as late Thursday night, with dangerous hurricane force winds expected Friday into Friday night. Hurricane Warnings may need to be expanded to Kauai County as Lane draws closer.

Outer rain bands and embedded thunderstorms associated with Hurricane Lane, are already producing heavy rainfall and flash flooding on the Big Island. Bands of intense showers and thunderstorms will continue to spread across the other islands from south-southeast to north-northwest tonight through Friday. Excessive rainfall is likely which could result in life threatening flash flooding, as well as landslides and mudslides. Flooding from these heavy rains will also be possible in areas that are typically not prone to flooding. Storm total rainfall amounts greater than 30 inches are possible.

Swells generated by Lane will produce very large and rough surf, with dangerous rip currents along south, southeast and southwest facing shores. Large surf is already occurring along southeast facing shores of the Big Island. Surf is expected to increase later tonight and Thursday along southwest facing shores of the Big Island as well as along south and southeast facing shores from Maui County to Kauai County.

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

http://www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl/pages/HLS.php