Hawaii Bracing for Damaging Winds, Catastrophic Flooding as Hurricane Lane Approaches...

By Alex Sosnowski and Kyle Elliott

Hurricane Lane will pose a significant threat to lives and property as it spreads torrential rain, strong wind gusts and pounding surf across Hawaii into this weekend.

Lane has the potential to be the single-costliest hurricane in recorded history of Hawaii and may end up causing the most expensive hurricane damage in all of the United States for the 2018 hurricane season, according to AccuWeather President and Founder Dr. Joel N. Myers.

Tropical storm conditions will continue to ramp up on the Big Island into Friday and spread northwestward across the rest of the islands through this weekend. Preparations have begun on the islands.

Winds high in the atmosphere are increasing, while winds just above the surface of the ocean that have been guiding Lane along have decreased, according to AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski.

Lane, currently a Category 4 hurricane, will weaken slowly. However, its slow forward speed will result in an extended period of rain, wind and high surf, as compared to a fast-moving storm.

Lane has turned more to the north since Wednesday and is expected to continue this path through Friday night.

During this weekend, a turn back to the west is forecast.

However, with the timing of that westward turn somewhat uncertain, the center of Lane may be less than 100 miles to Lanai, Maui, Moloka'i, O'ahu and Kauai. While direct landfall is unlikely, it still cannot be 100 percent ruled out.

There is the possibility that lane may stall and wobble just southwest of the central islands for a day or two.

"As Lane weakens, is is then more likely to be pushed westward by the northeast trade winds later this weekend," Kottlowski said.

The closer Lane tracks to the individual islands, or lingers nearby, the more severe weather conditions, damage and risk to lives there will be. Even with the expected glancing blow, the situation remains serious for lives and property.

Flooding rainfall and mudslides are greatest concern

In general, Harvey-like rainfall of 1-3 feet is expected by AccuWeather meteorologists because of the slow-moving and stall potential with Lane.

An AccuWeather Local StormMax of 50 inches is forecast where rain persists along the steep mountainsides of the Big Island and Maui with a StormMax of 36 inches on the other islands.

This amount of rainfall will lead to extensive flash flooding. Expect some bridges and roads to be washed out or severely damaged.

In areas that are typically sheltered during the prevailing northeast trade winds, 1 to 4 feet of rain can lead to catastrophic flash flooding and mudslides.

People should not attempt to drive through flooded areas or venture near the edge of streams. The road may have been compromised and the banks of the stream may give way without warning.

Expect mudslides and landslides to occur without notice and block roads.

"People living in flood and mudslide prone areas should be prepared to evacuate," Kottlowski said.

Tropical-storm-force winds with damaging hurricane-force gusts anticipated

As Lane slowly weakens, winds from the storm will spread out, while the slow forward motion of the storm continues.

Throughout the islands, winds ranging from 30-60 mph will be common over the islands for a several-day stretch in some cases.

Long-duration winds of this speed can push weak trees over and cause sporadic power outages.

"Gusts to and exceeding hurricane force (74 mph) are likely as heavier squalls move through," Kottlowski said.

"Hurricane-force gusts can lead to widespread power outages, uprooted trees, flying debris and property damage."

A few brief, isolated tornadoes and waterspouts may occur. Where these occur, severe damage can be expected.

Long-duration pounding, damaging surf in store

Near-shore waves in non-protected harbors may reach and exceed 20 feet in some cases. People should not stand or walk along the immediate coast and not venture onto breakwaters and jetties.

"Expect extensive overwash while relentless pounding waves are likely to cause to damage to structures, walkways and roadways near the coast," Kottlowski said.

Storm surge flooding can occur where water is funneled toward the shore and cannot quickly escape.

The chaotic nature of the pounding waves and frequent and strong rip currents will be too dangerous for anyone to be in the water, including experienced boarders.

"All of the impacts from flooding, wind and heavy seas can be life-threatening," Kottlowski said.

"All residents, visitors and interests of the Hawaiian Islands should closely monitor Hurricane Lane and heed advisories and warnings from government officials."

When compared to Hurricane Iniki, during September 1992, it is possible that wind conditions may be less severe, but flooding rainfall may be more severe due to Lane's slow-moving nature.

TLDM Editor's Note: Natural disasters will increase in number and severity until mankind is brought to its knees.