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Hurricane Lane spun in the Pacific Ocean about 165 miles (260 km) southwest of Kailua-Kona and nearly 20 inches (51 cm) of rain had fallen on the eastern side of the Big Island of Hawaii, the National Weather Service (NWS) said. NWS meteorologist Chevy Chevalier said: "There is lots and lots of rain, torrential rain, with a lot of moisture in the atmosphere. "We're in it now." There were no reports of injuries, but roads were closed because of flash floods and landslides in the Pacific island state. Tourists were advised to stay away from a popular attraction on the island of Maui called the Seven Sacred Pools, a scenic cluster of waterfalls and grottos.

The US has declared an emergency for Hawaii and has ordered disaster relief efforts. One local said: “We are in one of the richest countries in the world and here we are with no help.” Hurricane Lane is expected to spark "life-threatening flash flooding and landslides" in Hawaii as it prepares to unleash 120mph winds on Hawaii. Watch below for a live webcam streaming located in Waikiki facing Magic Island south of Oahu.

Surfers at Waikiki beach in Honolulu however appeared unfazed by the looming storm and sunbathers continued to enjoy the sunshine in the hours ahead of Lane's arrival. The Central Pacific Hurricane Centre (CPHC) in Honolulu said: "Lane will pass dangerously close to the main Hawaiian Islands as a hurricane on Thursday and Friday, and is expected to bring damaging winds. "The slow movement of Lane also greatly increases the threat for prolonged rainfall, life-threatening flooding and landslides." Forecasters have suggested sea water temperatures at 27C are helping Lane maintain its strength but have also said a growing wind shear is likely to start weakening Lane.

Hurricane Lane Hawaii: Webcam footage shows winds building in Honolulu

Hurricane Lane has already caused flooding in Hawaii

We are in one of the richest countries in the world and here we are with no help Hawaii local sheltering from storm

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. Experts have warned that a direct hit on Maui and Honolulu is possible and will depend on whether the hurricane sustains its current projected track. CPHC added: "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 and west facing shores near the centre of Lane." Latest updates from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) at 10 pm BST said: "At 200 PM PDT (2100 UTC), the centre of Hurricane Lane was located near latitude 12.5 North, longitude 139.7 West.

Hurricane Lane has been decreasing in strength but still threatens to hit Hawaii with 120mph winds