At 500 AM HST (1500 UTC), the center of Hurricane Lane was located near latitude 18.7 North, longitude 158.0 West. Lane is moving toward the north near 5 mph (7 km/h), and this general motion is expected to continue through tonight. A turn toward the west is anticipated on Saturday, with an increase in forward speed.

On the latest forecast track, the center of Lane will move dangerously close to portions of the central Hawaiian islands later today and tonight.

Maximum sustained winds are near 110 mph (175 km/h) with higher gusts. Lane is now category 2 hurricane on the Saffir Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Some additional weakening is forecast later today and tonight, but Lane is expected to remain a dangerous hurricane as it approaches the islands. Further weakening is expected on Saturday.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles (55 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles (220 km).

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for…

* Oahu

* Maui County…including the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai and
Kahoolawe

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for…
* Hawaii County

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for…
* Kauai County…including the islands of Kauai and Niihau