A hurricane warning has been issued for Hawaiʻi, Maui, and Honolulu Counties as Hurricane Lane continues to move towards the state as a powerful Category 3 storm. A hurricane warning means hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the specified area within 36 hours. A hurricane watch is still in effect for Kauaʻi county. A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible for the area within 48 hours.

At 5 PM Thursday, Lane has downgraded to a Category 3 storm. It has a maximum sustained winds near 120 mph with higher gusts. Lane was centered about 240 miles south of Honolulu. It's continuing to move northwest at 6 mph. Forecasters say hurricane-force winds will extend 35 miles from the center, while tropical-storm force winds can be felt 140 miles from the eye.

The Big Island began feeling the impact of Hurricane Lane yesterday, as the outer rain bands swept through the island. Parts of the Big Island measured 7 to 12 inches of rain over a 12-hour period. Some parts of the island even received 19 inches of rain in the last 24 hours. There are reports the heavy rain has caused landslides and flooding in some areas and forced the closure of several roadways - including Highway 19, in Hilo and Honomu, and Bayfront Highway in Hilo.

Heavy rains are also affecting parts of Maui at this moment, where there are multiple reports of fallen trees have made parts of Hana Highway impassable. Officials are urging residents to stay off the roadways.

The latest forecast model indicates Lane will pass "very close" on today and tomorrow - bringing strong winds, torrential rains and monster surf to the entire island chain. Weather officials expect Lane to bring 15 inches of rain in some spots, but may be higher in other areas. Rain of this magnitude raises the risk of flash flooding and landslides.

Weather officials believe Lane will continue to weaken over the next 48 hours.

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for parts of Maui County, and a warning is still in effect for Hawaiʻi Island. A flash flood watch is in effect for the rest fo the state in anticipation of the heavy rainfall. A high surf warning is also in effect for south-facing shores for Hawaiʻi Island, and a high surf advisory is in effect for south-facing shores for the rest of the state.

The U.S. Coast Guard is reminding the public to stay off the water when hurricane or tropical storm force winds are present, and to stay clear of beaches. Boat owners are also advised to secure their belongings.

State and County Emergency Management Agency officials are urging residents to stay up-to-date and prepare for Hurricane Lane. Click here to see what you should have in your disaster kit. Officials are also advising residents to prepare their homes for a hurricane. You can click here to see how to prepare your home.

You can find a complete list of emergency shelters here.

Below are the contact information for the state and county Emergency Management Agencies:

Hawaiʻi State Emergency Management Agency

(808) 733 -4300

HawaiiEMA@hawaii.gov

Kauaʻi Emergency Management

(808) 241 - 1800

kema@kauai.gov

Honolulu Emergency Management

(808) 723-8960

dem@honolulu.gov

Maui County Emergency Management

(808) 270 - 7285

Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense

(808) 935 - 0031

civildefense@hawaiicounty.gov