Hurricane Lane: Category 3 Storm May Brush Hawaii

HILO, HI — Hurricane Lane, a powerful Category 3 storm, about 900 miles southeast of Hilo in the Pacific Ocean, could spin right past the southern tip of Hawaii on Wednesday or Thursday. The storm — and its 120 mph winds — is heading west at 15 mph and is expected to continue its path from Sunday night through Monday night, but at a slightly slower speed.

Lane had strengthened to a Category 4 storm on Saturday, but subsequently weakened Sunday morning. The National Weather Service's Central Pacific Hurricane Center expects the storm to weaken some, but noted it will likely remain a powerful hurricane through Monday night. The agency warned that a large swell will likely reach the southeast and east facing shores of the Big Island, and could reach the east side of Maui by this evening.

"This swell may produce large and dangerous surf along these shorelines starting later tonight or early Monday," the agency said.

There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect, but Hawaiians should continue to watch the storm's progress this week.

The Hawaii County Civil Defense wrote in a Facebook statement Sunday that it is "too early to see any impacts to Hawaii Island." The agency is monitoring the storm and will post updates if there are any dangerous changes.

"Do take this time to assure that family emergency plans are updated," the agency wrote.

Photo credit: National Weather Service