Hurricane Lane Weakens to Tropical Storm, But More Damage Possible

Hawaiian residents began to relax on Saturday as Hurricane Lane weakened into a tropical storm. But officials are warning people to stay vigilant as wild winds and driving rain could still cause damage while the storm moves through the area through the rest of the weekend.

According to the National Weather Service, Lane dumped more than 40 inches of rain in some parts of the Big Island over the last several days, creating life-threatening floods and landslides across the island. Lane's disintegration into a tropical storm Friday was a major downgrade for the storm that had been a powerful Category 5 hurricane just a few days earlier. 

Lane was still moving north at around 3 mph with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph according to the latest bulletin from the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. 

Lane is expected to continue moving slowly northward this morning, followed by a turn to the west with an increase in forward speed starting later today or tonight. This forecast track takes south of Kauai and Niihau later today and tonight," the center wrote. "However, regardless of the storm's track, life-threatening flash flooding and gusty winds will continue to extend far beyond the center's location. Do not focus on the exact forecast track or intensity of Lane."

Honolulu's Mayor Kirk Caldwell told CNN that the islands "dodged a bullet" and that city services were slowly being restored as Lane continued to weaken. 

A tropical storm warning remained in effect for Oahu and Maui counties with a tropical storm watch in effect for Kauai County. 

"Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 125 miles (205 kilometers) from the center," the hurricane center said. A warning means tropical storm conditions are expected while a watch means tropical storm conditions are possible.

"Lane's outer rain bands will produce excessive rainfall this weekend, which could lead to additional flash flooding and landslides. Lane is expected to produce additional rain accumulations of 5 to 10 inches in some areas. Localized storm total amounts well in excess of 40 inches have already been observed along the windward side of the Big Island," the bulletin said. "Large swells generated by Lane will impact the Hawaiian Islands. These swells will produce high surf along exposed south and east shorelines today."

Photo: Getty Images


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