Hurricane Lane edges closer to Hawaii

OFFICIALS in Hawaii are pleading for “full co-operation” from the public to ensure the island chain does not suffer the same devastation seen in Puerto Rico last year as the ferocious Hurricane Lane surges closer.

Residents are being told to stockpile two weeks worth of food and ensure they have a safe place to shelter from predicted flash flooding, powerful winds and mudslides.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said: “We do not want to see what happened in Puerto Rico, and we do that by making sure we’re prepared.

“We need the full cooperation of all of the public, really showing the aloha that we’re all about.”

Last September, the Category 5 Hurricane Maria slammed into Puerto Rico causing hundreds of deaths and more than $90billion in damage.

The Category 4 storm is barrelling towards Hawaii with savage winds of up to 156mph and is expected to hit the southwestern tip of Big Island at around 7pm BST tomorrow (8am local time).

Emergency services are on high alert and officials have warned of “significant impacts” even if the hurricane does not directly hit Hawaii.

And US President Donald Trump has signed off on a disaster declaration for the whole of Hawaii which will allow officials to request emergency help from the Department of Homeland Security if need be.

But as the storm moves closer to the island chain, civic leaders have urged people to heed the advice and of authorities.