Hurricane Lane path LIVE updates: Oahu and Maui power OUTAGES – landslides hit Big Island

Hurricane Lane is threatening a potentially deadly direct hit on Hawaii in the regions worst storm in a quarter century.

The barreling storm churned toward the main island of Oahu on Thursday as schools, government offices and business closed while residents stocked up on supplies and boarded up homes.

Hurricane Lane, classified as a powerful Category 4 storm, was packing sustained winds of up to 145 miles per hour and is expected to dump as much as 20 inches of rain, triggering flash flooding and landslides, the National Weather Service (NWS) warned.

Find the latest path updates and live tracking information on Hurricane Lane here. All times in BST.

11.20am BST update: Roads are under 2-3 inches of water on Big Island

Saddle Road in Hilo on Big Island is currently under 2-3 inches of water. Work continues to try and shore up homes. Maxium sustained wind speeds of 120 mph.

Department of Transportation has issued a warning on Oahu. “Fallen tree on Kamehameha Highway at Ehukai. Crews addressing now. (Maui) Crews removing hanging traffic signal at Lahaina Bypass/Hokiokio Place. Electricity to signal at Honoapiilani Highway and Dickenson Street still down.”

10.53am BST update: Falling trees and power outages set to increase

Hawaii’s Department of Transportation has stated severak roads have been blocked by fallen trees in Maui and on Big Island.

Risks of falling trees and further outages are set to increase through Friday as Lane tracks north.

Saturated ground is making tree foundations weak, meaning that usually inconsequential drafts could blow them over. 

10.19am BST update: NOAA latest forecast advisory released

NOAA have released their 11pm update warning dangerous Hurricane Lane is continuing to move nortth toward the main Hawaiian islands.

Extreme flooding is already occuring on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Hurricane warnings have been issued for Oahu, Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe.

10am BST update: Brown water warning issued 

The National Hurricane Centre has reported no changes to the outlook for Lane, which is still tearing north with speeds of 120mph.

A brown water advisory, warning of unhealthy water runoff is now in effect across Hawaii according to MauiNow.com.

People are being urged to stay away from the waters and runof due to health risks. 

09.36am BST update: Peak wind gust of 68 mph was recorded at Kohala Ranch at 9pm HST

Wind gusts have hit 68mph on Oahu. Firefighters are currently responding to partially-blown roof on Pensacola and Wilder streets in Makiki, fire crews say they had to completely remove the corrugated roof from the entryway to prevent it from turning into a projectile and causing further damage.

Forecasters with the National Weather Service posted that at about 10 p.m., peak wind gusts of 68 mph were recorded at Kohala Ranch in Waimea.

Outages have been recorded on Oahu. Portions of Lahaina are experiencing power outages. No exact number of customers available. Crews working to restore power.

09.09am BST update: Governor David Ige takes to Twitter to alert Hawaiians

Hawaii Governor David Ige re-tweeted alerts from NWS warning that Hurricane Lane will be a long-duration event. Catastrophic flooding has already hit the Big Island.

He wrote: “Additionally, coastal impacts associated with large surf and water levels rising due to surge could lead to inundation and overwash onto low-level coastal areas through Saturday. #alohastrong #HIGov”

8.50am BST update: NOAA storm surge and swell warnings

NOAA have issued alerts for very large swells generated by the slow moving hurricane will severely impact the Hawaiian Islands over the next couple of days. These swells will produce extremely large and damaging surf along exposed west and south facing shorelines. A prolonged period of high surf will likely lead to significant coastal erosion.

Storm surge is also a growing problem for the islands. The combination of a dangerous storm surge and large breaking waves will raise water levels by as much as 2 to 4 feet above normal tide levels along south and west facing shores near the center of Lane. The surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.

Hawaii News Now forecaster Guy Hagi said: “Hurricane Lane is still between a category 3 Category 4 hurricane – the hurricane remains massive, it remains powerful and is dragging a lot of moisture up. In fact, over the last several hours, behind Lane, a big thunderstorm is brewing almost as big as Lane itself.

“Maui County and Big Island have got a lot of rain already. Big Island 17 inches so far.

“The storm is so big – tropical storm force winds extend out 140 miles from the centre so as it goes along its track there is a very high chance we’ll all be hit by tropical storm force winds.”

8.20am update: The last most catastrophic hurricane to hit Hawaii was Hurricane Iniki

Considered the most catastrophic hurricane in Hawaii history, Iniki originated in 1992, which was also an El Niño year. Slamming into Hawaii in September as a Category 4 major hurricane, claiming the lives of six Hawaii residents.

AccuWeather President and Founder Dr. Joel N. Myers said “Hurricane Iniki caused nearly $3 billion in damage in Hawaii back in September 1992, which would be about $5 billion in today’s dollars. Lane could potentially cause in excess of $10 billion in damage due to its forecasted impacts as well as the increase in population, property, property value and infrastructure on the Hawaiian Islands since then.

“The damage from Hurricane Lane will be due mainly to flooding, high tides and beach erosion rather than wind. If the storm tracks closer to the Island than what AccuWeather is currently projecting, it could cause as much as $20 billion of damage or more, which would make it the most costly hurricane in Hawaii’s history.”

8.08am update: NOAA issues 8pm update and warns Hurricane Lane is heading North

NOAA latest shows Hurricane Lane heading towards Oahu and Maui. A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Oahu and Maui County…including the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe.

NOAA latest update read: “At 800 PM HST (0600 UTC), the eye of Hurricane Lane was located by radar and satellite imagery near latitude 18.0 North, longitude 157.9 West. Lane is moving toward the north near 6 mph (9 km/h). A slow general northward motion is expected to continue through Friday. A turn toward the west is anticipated Saturday and Sunday, with an increase in forward speed. On the forecast track, the center of Lane will move over, or dangerously close to portions of the main Hawaiian islands later tonight and Friday.

“Maximum sustained winds are near 120 mph (195 km/h) with higher gusts. Lane is a category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Some weakening is forecast during the next 48 hours, but Lane is expected to remain a hurricane as it approaches the islands.

“Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles (55 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 125 miles (205 km).

“The estimated minimum central pressure is 959 mb (28.32 inches).”

7.45am update: Major flooding and landslides widespread across Hawaii

As Hurricane Lane slides into the Hawaiian islands, there is warning of severe damage on the horizon. 

AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski said: “Lane has the potential of bringing the state of Hawaii serious and perhaps record damage.”

There are further warnings for Hawaii residents to prepare for widespread power outages, flooding and beach erosion.

Travel disruptions are now also expected as the tropical storm advances through the island.
 

6.50am update: Donald Trump authorises emergency aid if needed for Hawaii

Donald Trump wrote on Twitter: “I have authorized an emergency disaster declaration to provide Hawaii the necessary support ahead of #HurricaneLane. Our teams are closely coordinating with the state and local authorities. You are in our thoughts!”

5.55am update: Hurricane Lane triggers port and road closures 

Hurricane Lane has triggered a series of port closures, which will disrupt cargo for days.

Michael Hansen, president of the Hawaii Shippers Council, claimed the disruption will last “at least a week”.

He said: “That is best-case scenario.

“If we have any damage to the harbour facilities, if the hurricane comes closer and especially if the hurricane were to come ashore on the south coast of Oahu island in the area of Honolulu Harbor and the airport.

“We’re looking at, especially with a storm surge, potentially substantial damage.

“If that were to occur there would be a longer disruption.”

More than 14 roads have also been closed across Hawaii state due to landslides and flash floods.

5.05am update: Hurricane warning downgraded to tropical storm warning for Big Island 

Meteorologists at the National Weather Service (NWS) have downgraded the hurricane warning for Hawaii’s Big Island to a tropical storm warning.

The NWS consequently expect sustained winds of between 39 and 73mph when the hurricane hits the island.

Hawaii’s County Civil Defence Agency commented on the warning, stating: “Hawaii Island has been downgraded to a tropical storm warning.

“Heavy rain and flooding continues. Stay off the roads.”

3.50am update: Emergency supplies delivered by US Federal Emergency Management Agency

Emergency supplies including food, water and generators have been delivered to Hawaii by the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in anticipation for Hurricane Lane striking the islands in the coming days.

FEMA commented on the preparations, stating: “We’ve pre-staged food, water, generators and other commodities in Hawaii to support emergency resource needs for Hurricane Lane.

“More generators arrived on the islands today in anticipation of the storm’s impacts.

“We continue to work closely with our partners to prepare.”

2.35am update: Hawaii Governor warns of ‘life-threatening surf and dangerous rip currents’

Hawaii Governor David Ige has dramatically warned that the Hawaiian islands will be tested by a “life-threatening surf and dangerous rip currents” created by Hurricane Lane, despite it being downgraded to a category three storm.

Mr Ige stated on Twitter: “Swells generated by Lane will produce very large life-threatening soft and dangerous rip currents along the south-east, south and south-west facing shores of all the Hawaiian islands.”

He added: “Large surf is likely occurring along south-east facing shores on the Hawaii Island.

“Surf is expected to increase today along south-west facing shores of the Hawaii Island as well as along south and south-east facing shores to Kauai County.”

Mr Ige warned of “the surf becoming extremely large” between tonight and Saturday.

01.45am update: Hurricane Lane downgraded to category 3

Hurricane Lane has been downgraded to a category 3 storm by the National Weather Service, but is still expected to pass over the Hawaiian islands through Friday and Saturday.

Hawaii’s Governor David Ige commented on the news, stating: “Hurricane Lane has weakened to a category 3 storm.

“It is still expected to pass the Hawaiian Islands through Friday and Saturday.”

The hurricane has been tracking on a collision course with Hawaii’s Big Island for several days as local residents batten down the hatches to prepare for deluges of rain, mass-scale flooding and damaging surf on Oahu – the most populated island.

Pablo Akira Beimler, who lives on the coast in Honokaa on the Big Island, said: “Rain has been nonstop for the last half hour or so, and winds are just starting to pick up.

“Our usually quiet stream is raging right now.”

01.05am update: Emergency sirens will sound in Hawaii if evacuation is necessary

Emergency sirens will sound in Hawaii if an evacuation is necessary, in order to warn residents to move to higher ground as quickly as possible.

The Maui County Emergency Management Agency stated: “Sirens will only sound in the event evacuations are needed.”

They added: “If you hear the siren sound: tune into local radio/tv and move to higher ground.”

Governor David Ige declared a state of emergency yesterday as conditions continued to worsen.

He tweeted: “If you haven’t done so, I urge you to prepare and plan now.”

00.20am update: Hawaii residents stockpiling supplies before hurricane hits

Residents have been rushing to stockpile supplies of food and home essentials before many shops shut in anticipation of the storm hitting Hawaii.

Eugene Yi, owner of Kona Wave Cafe in Kailua-Kona on Big Island, told CNN that he closed his business on Wednesday alongside many other business owners.

He said: “A couple of days ago we were like ‘Oh, it’s just going to blow over’.

“Then we saw people at the stores panicking and wiping out all the water.

“So now we’re in a rush to get super safe, and try to get this as secure as possible.”

Matthew Robinson taking over live reporting from Amalie Henden

Thursday, August 23

22:54 update: High surf warning for all islands 

A high surf warning has been issued for all islands through Friday, according to Governor David Ige.

On Twitter he wrote: “Surf 7 to 10 feet, rising to 10 to 15 feet by tonight, then 12 to 20 feet Friday. 

“Impacts are extreme. Ocean water sweeping over shorelines & large breaking waves affecting harbor entrances.”

22.49 update: County of Maui reports several trees down on Hana Highway

State Department of Transportation reported several trees down on Hana Highway this morning but has since cleared these locations.

Residents and tourists are advised not to travel Hana Highway while the storm is heading our way for safety reasons.

Flooding in Hana has closed down Wainapanapa, Ulaino and Waikoloa roads.

Other than that all county roads are still accessible.

However, motorists are advised to limit travel at this time, especially to remote areas such as Hana, where people can get stuck behind rockslides and fallen trees that come down in the storm.

22.37pm update: All United Airlines to and from Kahului Airport tomorrow are cancelled 

This comes as Hurricane Lane has already forced cancellations of Vancouver-Hawaii flights. 

22.32pm update: Live conference to be held at 1am (2pm Hawaiian time)

Hawaii’s Governor David Ige will be holding a live briefing on Hurricane Lane today at 1am (2pm Hawaiian time).

The Governor will be joined by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, William Roche, deputy administrator Region 9, FEMA, Hawaii Adjutant General Joe Logan, Hawaii State Department of Defence, Tom Travel, administrator, HIEMA and RADM, Kevin Lunday.

To watch the live conference at 1am follow THIS LINK. 

10pm update: Hurricane Lane NOAA Thursday 11am update: DANGEROUS Lane looms over Hawaii 

The latest bulletin from the NOAA says that the “eye of Lane passes over NOAA buoy 51002 as the dangerous storm continues to slowly march toward the main Hawaiian islands.”

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for:

• Oahu
• Hawaii County
• Maui County, including the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for:

• Kauai County, including the islands of Kauai and Niihau

Read the full breakdown of the warning HERE. 

9.20pm update: Hawaii governer issues flash flood warning

Governor David Ige tweeted: “A flash flood warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring in streams, roads, and low lying areas.

“Move to higher ground now. Do not cross fast flowing water in your vehicle, or on foot.

“Turn around, don`t drown. Stay safe!”

9.08pm update: Map shows areas feeling the outskirts of the storm as it arrives

8.53pm update: Latest pictures as Hurricane Lane begins beating down on Big Island

Torrential rain and flash flooding has begun on Hawaii’s Big Island. 

If you’re not sure if you’re in a flood zone, the NWS advises checking this map. 

And here is a list of available shelters.

8.30pm update: Flash flood warnings issued for Maui

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for Hana and Kipahulu until 11.45am on Thursday. 

Residents are advised to avoid walking or driving through flood waters.

You should move to higher ground immediately and keep an eye on local updates.

7.10pm update: Hurricane Lane NOAA Thursday 8am update: Torrential rainfall has begun

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released the 8am (7pm BST) update on Hurricane Lane for Thursday, August 23.

The latest bulletin from the NOAA says that: “Lane continues to approach the main Hawaiian Islands with torrential rainfall already occurring in some areas.”

The storm is currently 205 miles (330 km) south of Kailua-Kona, and 290 miles (465 km) south-southeast of Honolulu.

Maximum sustained winds are 130 mph (215 km/h) with higher gusts as the storm moves northwest at 7mph (11 km/h).

A turn toward the north-northwest and little change in forward speed is expected today.

Thre are no changes to the watch or warning zones. 

FULL SUMMARY HERE.

6.30pm update: Heavy rain and mudslides hit Big Island. 

Parts of Big Island have measured between seven and 12 inches of rain in the past 12 hours. 

County officials have reported multiple landslides on Big Island’s Highway 19 making the road hazardous for travel. 

6.05pm update: Do you live in a flood zone and need to evacuate to a shelter?

The NWS advises checking this map. 

And here is a list of available shelters.

5.54pm update: Flash flood warning extended 

The National Weather Service has extended the flash flood warning till 9.45am HST (8.45pm BST). 

See map below for warning zones. 

Residents are advised to avoid walking or driving through flood waters.

You should move to higher ground immediately and keep an eye on local updates.

5.15pm update: Flash flood warnings in place for Hilo Hilo HI, Volcano HI, Honoka’a HI until 6.45am HST

Residents are advised to avoid walking or driving through flood waters.

You should move to higher ground immediately and keep an eye on local updates.

4.45pm update: NOAA issues updated Hurricane Lane track

In the 5am NOAA update, it is reported on the forecast track, the centre of Lane will move very close to or over the portions of the main Hawaiian islands later today through Friday.

4.23pm update: Full 5am public advisory update

Read the full briefing for your safety HERE. 

4pm update: NOAA 5am update says “Lane CREEPING CLOSER to Hawaii”

The storm is currently 210 miles (335 km) south of Kailua-Kona, and 305 miles (490 km) south-southeast of Honolulu.

Maximum sustained winds are 130 mph (215 km/h) with higher gusts as the storm moves northwest at 7mph (11 km/h).

A turn toward the north-northwest and little change in forward speed is expected today.

The following areas are under Hurricane Warning: 

• Oahu
• Hawaii County
• Maui County, including the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe

The following areas are under Hurricane Watch:

• Kauai County, including the islands of Kauai and Niihau

3.24pm update: NOAA releases image of Lane as the storm approaches

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warned: “The slow movement of the storm increases the threat for prolonged heavy rainfall.”

Big Island is already feeling the impact, as eight inches of rain have been reported in the last 12 hours. 

Ready.gov is advising all Hawaiians to have a grab bag ready, including: 

• Medications
• Food
• Cash
• Baby and pet items

3pm: Kate Whitfield taking over live reporting from Vickiie Oliphant

2.35pm update: Hurricane Lane could join the Hawaii Hall of Fame

The most powerful hurricane on record to hit Hawaii was Category 4 Iniki.

Hurricane Iniki made landfall on Kauai island on September 11, 1992, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

The deadly storm killed six people and damaged or destroyed more than 14,000 homes.

1.30pm update: What is the difference between the hurricane categories?

• Category 1: Winds between 74 and 95 mph.
• Category 2: Winds of 96 through 110 mph.
• Category 3: Sustained winds of 111 through 129 mph. (Hurricanes Category 3 and higher are considered “major” hurricanes.)
• Category 4: Strong winds sustained between 130 and 156 mph.
• Category 5: This is the top of the scaled, the strongest a storm can get with winds sustained of 157 and higher.

1.24am update: Hurricane warnings still in effect

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for…

• Oahu
• Maui County…including the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe
• Hawaii County

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for…

• Kauai County…including the islands of Kauai and Niihau 

1.23pm update: Hurricane Lane NOAA 2am update

The hurricane is now 230 miles from Kailua and 335 from Honolulu, moving northwards at 7mph.

Max winds speeds have been recorded at 130mph and Lane remains a category 4 hurricane.

The NOAA said: “The eye of Hurricane Lane is being tracked by the South Hawaii WSR-88D radar as the tropical cyclone moves northwestward toward the Hawaiian islands.

“A National Data Buoy Center buoy, station 51002, located around 245 miles south-southwest of Hilo, Hawaii recently measured a wind gust of 47 mph (76 km/h).”

1.13pm update: Latest photos show the terrifying extent of Hurricane Lane

To see the latest photos and satellite radar images of Hurricane Lane, click here.

12.43pm update: US administration in close contact with Hawaii

U.S. President Donald Trump directed FEMA and administration officials to remain in close coordination with the state, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters.

“The president is deeply concerned for the well-being of all Hawaiians,” she said.

12.09pm update: Shoppers continued panic buying late into the night on Wednesday

A downtown Honolulu Walmart was stripped of supplies, from canned tuna to dog food. 

“There’s nothing in there,” said one shopper leaving the store.

“I went to Safeway last night for regular groceries, everyone was in a panic,” said Thao Nguyen, 35, an employee at a Honolulu branch of an shirt retailer Roberta Oaks.

“People were buying cases of tiny water bottles.”

City residents used carts to push cases of bottled water and coolers full of ice, after warnings of possible power outages and evacuations.

Cars waited in long lines at gasoline stations in Honolulu and people could be seen pulling small boats from the water ahead of Lane’s expected storm surge.

12.01 pm update: Most hurricanes tend to dissipate before hitting Hawaii

Dozens of storms form and head into the Central Pacific each hurricane season.

But usually, when they get near Hawaii they start to head West across the basin.

This is due to an atmospheric wind pattern that shifts the path of incoming storms away from land.

Brian McNoldy, a meteorologist at the University of Miami, told Popular Science: “The major reason that Hawaii doesn’t normally get major hurricanes nearby is that there’s a strong subtropical high-pressure system that sits just to the north, and that acts to steer [storms] straight west.

“For the last 1-2 months that high pressure is a little weaker than normal and it’s a little farther west than normal.”

11.31am update: Hurricane Lane is the biggest weather threat to Hawaii in decades

The Category 4 cyclone that could become the first major hurricane to make landfall there in 26 years.

This is because hurricanes rarely make landfall in Hawaii – largely because Hawaiian islands are just 10,931 square miles large in total.

Spread over six main islands, this makes landfall on any of them less likely in the huge Pacific Ocean.

“It’s pretty rare to even get a category five hurricane in the Central Pacific,” Brian McNoldy, a meteorologist at University of Miami who studies tropical cyclones said.

“The records there aren’t great, but as far as we know, there’s only been five before this.

“And of those five, none have been this close to Hawaii. It’s definitely a bit nerve wracking to see it there”

11.25am update: Much of the state remains under a hurricane warning

Hurricane Lane has today continued its slow march toward the Hawaiin islands as a massive Category 4 storm, with wind speeds of 145mph.

Kauai County, meanwhile, is under a hurricane watch but all islands are expected to be hit by heavy rain and high winds.

Forecasters warn Hurricane Lane’s “very close” pass on Thursday and Friday is slated to bring strong winds, torrential showers and monster surf to the entire island chain.

11.19am update: Hawaii already hit by heavy rain – with 30 inches more to come

The hurricane is expected to reach the Hawaiian islands by tonight, bringing with it a barrage of wind, rain and dangerous conditions.

Residents have been advised that heavy rainfall from Hurricane Lane could cause life threating flash flooding and landslides. 

The NOAA predicts the hurricane could produce up to 30 inches of rain over the Hawaiian Islands. 

There will also be large and destructive waves impacting coastal areas, as the hurricane’s intense winds pass over Hawaii. 

10.18am update: Hurricane Lane likely to hit hour in less than 21 hours

The western coastline of Big Island will see the effects of Hurricane Lane first, with the far southwestern tip getting the first hit at 8am local time – just 9 hours away.

By 8pm local time on Thursday, the storm will be at the northern most point of Big Island, with winds of some 70 to 90 mph.

Maui will be hit by 2am on Friday, with Honolulu next in the firing line.

A direct hit on Maui and Honolulu is possible, depending on how the hurricane sustains its current projected track.

By Saturday at 8am, the storm is expected to have cleared.

9.48am update: Latest NHC/NOAA hurricane advisory is out now.

The advisory explained the eye of Hurricane Lane is now located by satellite and radar just 235 miles from Kailua in Hawai and is moving toward the northwest near 7mph (11 km/h).

The report read: “This general motion is expected through Thursday, with a gradual turn toward the northwest.

“On Friday, a turn toward the north is anticipated as Lane’s forward motion slows even more.

“A turn back toward the west is expected on Saturday. On the forecast track, the center of Lane will move very close to or over the main Hawaiian Islands tomorrow through Friday.”

Maximum sustained winds remain near 145 mph (230 km/h) with higher gusts. 

To read the full report, click here.

9.24am update: Hurricane Lane edging closer to Hawaii

The latest Google crisis map shows the storm closing in on Hawaii, with wind speeds of a maximum 259km/h.

However, the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System says the storm “can have a low humanitarian impact based on the maximum sustained wind speed, exposed population and vulnerability.”

9.10am update: Residents urged to hunker down with emergency supplies until the storm passes

Dangerous, -force winds are expected to hit Big Island and Maui on Thursday, the National Weather Service said, while Oahu remains under a  warning and Kauai was on a hurricane watch meaning it could face such conditions starting Friday morning.

“Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion,” the NWS said. “Life threatening impacts are likely in some areas as the  makes its closest approach.”

Governor David Ige urged residents to prepare for the worst by setting aside a 14-day supply of water, food and medicines in the event of major damage to roads and infrastructure.

He added: “I urge our residents and visitors to take this threat seriously and prepare for a significant impact.”

8.55am update: Shoppers ransack store in preparation for the hurricane strike

As one video showed shoppers raiding a store for emergency supplies,  meteorologist for AccuWeather warned about shoppers buying supplies as the huge hurricane neared.

Reed Timmer tweeted the video, adding: “Busy night at Walmart in Honolulu ahead of Hurricane Lane.

“Water, food, supplies are going fast.”

8.00am update: Hawaii just hours away from severe winds

The 8pm NHC advisory read: “Tropical storm conditions are expected on portions of the Big Island beginning early Thursday morning, with hurricane conditions expected in some areas Thursday afternoon or Thursday night.

“Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin over portions of Maui county on Thursday, with hurricane conditions expected in some areas Thursday night into Friday.

“Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin on Oahu late Thursday night, with hurricane conditions expected Friday into Friday night.”

It is currently 9pm in Hawaii, with the next advisory expected at 11pm local time (10am BST).