Hurricane Lane strengthened to a powerful Category 5 storm as the barrelling storm makes its way towards Hawaii.
The fierce, swirling vortex with winds of 160mph is tracking dangerously close to the Hawaiian Islands in the coming days – with a direct hit anticipated towards the weekend.
Whether Lane directly strikes the islands or just grazes them, significant effects from rain, wind and waves are very likely for the Hawaiian islands.
Follow below for the latest path news and live tracking updates on Hurricane Lane. All times in BST.
2.03pm update: Schools closed on the Big Island and Maui
Hurricane watches and alerts have been issued for the Big Island. All four islands have signed emergency proclamations.
Mayor Kirk Caldwell said they were taking the storm “very seriously”
He added:”We’re all working together to make sure we plan for the worst and hope for the best,” he said.
“Hurricane Lane is a very serious storm that has the potential to do damage and cause harm,” said Tom Travis, who heads up the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.
2.01pm update: Winds to reach up to 160mph
Forecasters are warning that wind speeds could reach up to 160mph if Hurricane Lane makes landfall.
Hawaii State Governor has issued an emergency proclamation. Governor David Ige shas said he’s working with state agencies and counties to ensure communities get the help they need as the hurricane approaches and when it potentially makes landfall.
Residents are stocking up on supplies and at hardware stores as they prepare for the storm. Maui and Oawu are on alert. Forecasters have said there will be a gradual weakening over the next 24 hours. Friday has the highest possiblity of landfall.
The Hawaii National Guard is also on high alert, and the American Red Cross is preparing to open shelters if they’re needed.
Hurricane Lane path: Latest spaghetti models show a number of paths (Image: Hawaii)
There is currently a lot of discrepancy between forcasting spaghetti models with the American and European models disagreeing over the path of the hurricane – but all models suggest a high level of impact on the islands from swell to high winds.
1.50pm update: Tropical force winds already hitting parts of Hawaii
Parts of Hawaii are already experiencing tropical force winds on Big Island. Large waves and ‘sizeable’ swell are being felt along the eastern edge of Hawaii. The Hilo side of the Big Island is experiencing the biggest swell, according to forecaster Jonathan Warren of Surfline.com.
1.02pm update: Storm to bring major damage to Hawaii
Hurricane Lane may bring “damaging winds and life-threatening flash flooding from heavy rainfall,” the weather service’s Central Pacific Hurricane Center said.
“As Lane is expected to be slow-moving as it nears the islands, it will produce large and damaging surf, mainly along exposed south and west facing shores,” it added.
Hurricane Lane path: The storm could make a direct hit on Hawaii’s islands (Image: NOAA – NHC)
12.52pm update: Hurricane Lane heading straight for Hawaii
Hurricane Lane is currently at Category 5 strength and is barreling along the Pacific Ocean on track towards Hawaii.
In the most recent National Hurricane Centre (NHC) advisory issued at 11pm HST, the storm was just 350 miles of Kailua-Kona in Hawaii and 505 miles from Honolulu.
With maximum sustained winds recorded at 160mph, the storm is expected to reach the islands into Thursday.
The National Weather Service issued a hurricane warning Tuesday evening for the Big Island.
Hurricane watches are in effect for Maui, Oahu and other small islands, which could be hit by tropical-storm-force winds and heavy rain as soon as Wednesday or Thursday.
A hurricane warning is in effect for Hawaii county while a hurricane watch has been issued for Maui county.
Hurricane Lane path update: NOAA latest path of Hurricane as it heads towards Hawaii (Image: NOAA)
11.50pm update: Hurricane Lane upgraded to a Category 5
Hurricane Lane has been upgraded to a Category 5 hurricane as it heads directly to the Aloha state – NOAA have issued alerts for Hawaii mainland and every island incluidng Oahu and Big Island.
Lane has become only one of two Category 5 hurricanes to come within 350 miles of Hawaii.
The National Weather Service said: “A turn toward the northwest is expected on Wednesday, followed by a turn to the north-northwest on Thursday. On the forecast track, the center of Lane will move very close to or over the main Hawaiian Islands from Thursday through Saturday.”
Hurricane Lane path: Satellite pictures show Hurricane Lane bearing down on Hawaii (Image: CNN)
11.20am update: Maui and Kauai is on flash flood alert
Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa said, “Be aware that we are also in a flash flood watch and we urge you not to travel during heavy downpours. Instead, stay home, stay same.”
“Here on Kauai, we’ve gone through a devastating time. 50-plus inches of rain came our way in April, and more rain coming our way, maybe a major hurricane, I’m not sure, but we’ve gone through it and we’ve come out okay,” Mayor Carvalho said.
“I’m just hoping that everybody stays safe, relax, turn on your radio, listen to the media, get the information you need and be assured that we’ll be with you every step of the way,” he added.