Satellite footage has captured Hurricane Lane as it powers towards Hawaii.

The Category 3 storm is expected to track "dangerously" close to Hawaii’s islands, with residents bracing for “life threatening” weather conditions, including strong winds and flooding.

Hurricane Lane has soaked Hawaii's Big Island with nearly 50cm of rain in just 24 hours and brought maximum sustained wind speed of 120mph. Some areas are expected to see up to 80cm of rain.

The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOAS) released water vapour imagery of Hurricane Lane.

In preparation for the storm, many residents have been stockpiling food, water and other supplies.

Schools have been closed and public sector jobs have been suspended.

The US National Weather Service has issued a hurricane warning for Hawaii's Big Island and a hurricane watch for Oahu, Maui, Molokai and Lanai.