US: Hurricane Lane causes flooding, flight cancelations in Hawaii August 24 /update 8

Event

Hurricane Lane has continued to bring torrential rains to Hawaii on Friday, August 24. As of 08:00 (local time) on Friday, Lane was located 270 km (170 mi) south of Honolulu, slowly moving north at a speed of 3.2 km/h (2 mph), as a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of up to 170 km/h (105 mph). Hurricane warnings are currently in effect in Oahu, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe, while a tropical storm warning is in effect for Hawaii island (Big Island). Hurricane watches are also in effect in Kauai and Nihau. Rains of 75 cm (30 in) have been reported on Big Island since Thursday, with localized highs of up to 40 in (100 cm). As of Friday, at least 2000 people have been evacuated to shelters; Red Cross officials expect to shelter up to 3000 by Saturday, August 25. Further rainfall is anticipated and could result in major flooding and mudslides. Strong winds may result in material damage and cause power and communication outages. Strong surf will likely produce dangerous waves and rip currents along south- and southeast-facing shores.

According to the Hawaii Department of Transportation, all Friday flights have been canceled at Maui's Lanai Airport (LNY). In addition, United Airlines, Ohana, and Mokulele Airlines have canceled all flights at Kahului Airport (OGG). Further travel disruptions including flight delays and cancelations are expected over the coming days.

Context

Hurricanes and tropical cyclones are common in the eastern and central Pacific from May through November.

Advice

Individuals in Hawaii are advised to keep abreast of weather alerts, adhere to any advice issued by local authorities, confirm flight reservations, anticipate transportation disruptions and power outages, 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.

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