Iran Press/America : The National Weather Service warned that even a tropical storm can bring maximum winds of 70 miles per hour and that the threat of flooding was still present through Saturday.
“We’re not out of the woods yet,” Governor David Ige said at a press conference in Honolulu.
The island of Oahu, home to 69 percent of Hawaii’s population, has been preparing for days for the storm’s slow, 5 mph approach. The possible arrival of a Category 5 hurricane — Lane's strength on Tuesday — was reason enough to batten down the hatches.
The city ended bus service Thursday evening and was thinking of reopening limited service at least to the airport from downtown on Friday, but decided against it.
“Any gusts of winds over 40 mph are dangerous for bus drivers and riders,” Mayor Kirk Caldwell said. Tropical storms can have winds as high as 74 mph.
According to AFP,Several homes in the city have lost roofs due to gusting winds, while downed trees have been a problem in some areas, leading to pocket power outages.
Close to 1,100 people are staying in the 20 shelters set up at Honolulu schools, Caldwell said. But there’s more room for those who feel their homes might not be safe during possible torrential rains and winds.
