Hurricane Lane is a Category 4 cyclone and is expected to strike the island within the next 18 hours, with maximum impact expected on Friday. Flash flooding has already been seen on Big Island tonight as heavy rains batter the state.
One of the terrifying space images of the intense storm heading for Hawaii, from the clouds, was captured by the US astronaut Ricky Arnold.
Another picture shows a different perspective of the huge storm in the clouds above the Pacific Ocean.
The astronaut Mr Arnold tweeted the pictures and said: “Hurricane Lane in the early morning hours near Hawaii.
Hurricane Lane in the early morning hours near Hawaii
US astronaut Ricky Arnold
“The crew of the Spance Station send much aloha to everyone there.”
NASA’s Aqua satellite took a picture of Hurricane Lane in infrared light which shows how warm the clouds are.
Colder clouds are able to produce more rainfall.
A night picture taken by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will be able to help scientists to study the storm’s structure.
The different pictures taken just 40 minutes apart shows huge changes in the cloud structure, particularly in the outer part of the hurricane.
The detailed images of the hurricane enable the meteorologists to identify structures within the storm, which helps to inform people on the ground of any potential damage.
NASA have also released a video of the huge storm as it heads for Hawaii.
Weather agencies have warned of severe damage to buildings, property and human life on Big Island, which is already recovering from a devastating series of earthquakes and tremors, changing Hawaii’s natural landscape forever.
The National Weather Service warned on Twitter on Thursday that the hurricane «will bring life threatening conditions across Hawaii through Saturday with damaging winds, dangerous surf, coastal storm surge and INTENSE FLOODING RAINS. The heavy rains will lead to landslides and hazardous travel!»
A hurricane warning is in effect for Oahu, Maui County and Hawaii County, which means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere in the area.
Eric Lau from the Central Pacific Hurricane Centre also warned Hawaii residents must to “stay vigilant and really be aware of surroundings”.
He added: “Know where your evacuation centres are and have your hurricane kits readily available.
«As the storm approaches, we are looking at the potential for really heavy rainfall, strong damaging winds.
«So we really urge the residents of Hawaii to really be prepared.»
