Hurricane Lane approaches Hawaii

Hawaii residents are bracing for “life threatening” winds and flooding as Hurricane Lane, a Category 4 storm, continues its progress towards the state.

Many have been stockpiling food, water and other supplies as schools were closed until further notice and the coast guard warned the public to prepare.

With effects from the hurricane expected to begin hitting Hawaiian islands as soon as Wednesday, Governor David Ige has already signed a state of emergency in anticipation of the storm that had sustained winds of 155 mph as it approached the islands from the southwest. Schools in the island have been shut down as well.

"This will allow us to line up services and resources prior so that we can keep our communities safe," Mr Ige wrote in a tweet announcing his decision. "Never seen such dramatic changes in forecast track as with Hurricane Lane. Urging residents to prepare for a significant impact".

Meanwhile, officials have warned residents to shelter in place during the storm if possible, noting that Hawaii does not have enough shelter space to house everyone on the island.

President Donald Trump also weighed in, saying: "Everyone in the path of Hurricane Lane please prepare yourselves, heed the advice of State and local officials and follow @NWSHonolulu for updates. Be safe!"

The National Weather Service has issued a hurricane warning for Hawaii island and a hurricane watch for Oahu, Maui and other smaller islands, meaning tropical storm-force winds, excessive rain and large swells could arrive starting on Wednesday — and storm conditions are likely to last through at least Saturday. A hurricane warning had already been extended from Hawaii's Big Island to the island of Maui on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

While Lane had previously gained strength to become a Category 5 storm — marking just one of two recorded instances of a storm of that strength passing within 350 miles of the southern point of Big Island — conditions were not sustainable for that speed, and it was quickly dec-categorised. Lane is expected, according to forecasts, to pass close by the southern tip of the Hawaiian islands at 2 pm local time Thursday, and then travel north until it hits close to northern portions at 2 pm Friday, and then veer westward into the Pacific Ocean.