Torrential rain pounded Hawaii on Friday as Hurricane Lane, now downgraded to a tropical storm, crawled toward the island state, triggering landslides and “catastrophic” flooding, and forcing thousands to seek emergency shelter. Lane “weakens to a Tropical Storm south of Oahu, but rain bands will still bring more flooding and damaging winds to parts of the main Hawaiian islands,” the Central Pacific Hurricane Center said. Lane, which packed still dangerous winds of 70 miles per hour, is forecast on Saturday to turn westward and away from the Pacific islands. “Regardless of the hurricane track, life-threatening impacts will extend far beyond the center position as Lane approaches the islands,” the National Weather Center said. Residents across the state have been stocking up on water, food, gasoline and emergency supplies as Lane drew nearer.

Source: Egypt Independent August 25, 2018 06:45 UTC