Downgraded Hurricane Lane dumps rain on Hawaii, flooding still a fear

Hurricane Lane may have looked like a monster storm earlier this week, but it petered out by Friday thanks to strong wind shear. Now a tropical storm, Lane still poses a threat to Hawaii in the form of flash flooding. 

The National Weather Service in Honolulu extended its flash flood warning Saturday morning. It may be extended again, beyond Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Hawaii Standard Time, if heavy rain persists. The warning was issued for the northeast and southeast sides of the Big Island from Hawi to Hilo to South Point. The tropical storm warning remained in effect. 

The National Weather Service said runoff levels remain high and an expected band of heavy rainfall moving onshore could overwhelm ground that is saturated from the rain that preceded Lane’s arrival. The storm already resulted in “life-threatening flooding and landslides,” according to the National Weather Service. 

Some weather experts posted images on Twitter of Hurricane Lane breaking apart once it encountered wind shear. 

While many felt the state dodged the worst of the storm, the torrential rain still caused significant flooding and damage. 

This car became submerged in floodwaters from Hurricane Lane rainfall on Aug. 23, in Hilo, Hawaii.

This stream near Hilo, Hawaii, overflowed when inundated with water, on Aug. 23, 2018.

The flooded stream took over a road near Hilo, Hawaii, on Aug. 23, 2018.

Michelle Montgomery (left) and Eric Leifer look at the floodwater in Hilo, Hawaii, on Aug. 24, 2018.

Another view of Hurricane Lane floodwaters on Aug. 23, 2018 in Hilo, Hawaii.

This poor guy is trying to get stuff from his flooded car in Hilo, Hawaii, on Aug. 23, 2018.

Here’s hoping the storm does no more damage as it leaves the Hawaiian islands.