Governor David Ige declared the counties of “Hawai’i, Maui, Kalawao, Kuaa’i and the City and County of Honolulu disaster areas for the purpose of implementing emergency management functions.”
Honolulu has just been placed under an alert as warning systems will sound at 3am BST (4pm HST).
The Mayor of Honolulu, Kirk Caldwell, told people “shelter in place when possible, or with friends and family. Use shelters as a last resort.”
Residents have been told to bring 14 days’ worth of supplies to evacuation centres.
Hawaii Island is being battered by heavy rainfall that has caused a retention pond to be contaminated with animal waste in Kaohaoha Gulch.
The State Department of Health is also warning the public to stay out of the sea in the region due to high waves being created by the storm.
Residents have been told to stay off the roads unless journeys are absolutely essential because of the heavy rain.
Flash flooding warnings remain in the place.
Roads have been closed across the region, such as Bayfront Highway in Hilo because of flooding.
Maui County has also been affected by flooding.
Wainapanapa, Ulaino and Waikoloa roads have been closed in Hana.
Travelling to remote areas is to be particularly dangerous and residents have been told to reduce travel until conditions improve.
Residents have also been told not to travel to Hana Highway after safety concerns.
Kauai County’s Department of Water has shut water services for customers in Haena.
Water service is being switched off to stop any damage to the system with weather conditions expected to worsen.
The Department said: “All residents should prepare for possible water service disruption.”
Hurricane Lane is predicted to move northwards bringing strong winds and heavy rain to vast swathes of the state.
