Hurricane Lane’s torrential rains force residents to flee homes

Due to the news of a potentially devastating hurricane, President Donald Trump has declared a state of emergency in Hawaii.

Hurricane Lane was predicted to be the worst storm since Hurrican Iniki in 1992, which claimed the lives of six people and injured over 100 more.

Thankfully, contrary to this dangerous forecast, Hurricane Lane has been downgraded to a tropical storm.

Its blustering winds weakened slightly as they drew nearer towards nervous residents but were still charted at a forceful 70mph.

And now, the storm’s impact can be seen wreaking havoc on the islands’ shores, especially hitting the state’s main island, Hawaii.

Floods poured into cities, and families were forced to flee their homes in search of higher ground.

Dedicated surfers refused to let the threatening waters deter them from their daily ride and ignored emergency official’s warning to stay out of the tossing waves on Waikiki Beach.

Three feet of rain covered the Big Island in just 48 hours, shutting down roads in the main town of Hilo as floods rose to waist-deep levels, according to Hawaii News Now.

The National Guard have been working alongside firefighters to rescue tourists and residents from rising waters.

Employees are placing sandbags in front of store fronts in preparation of the floods as they sweep towards their stores.

Emergency shelters have been opened to the public as they are encouraged to seek safety away from unstable homes and beachfront properties.

While Hawaiians are relieved at Hurricane Lane’s downgraded status, its effects are still causing disaster and damage across the state.

Hopefully, newly sent relief crews from other states will help minimise the devastation and aid in rescuing as many people as they can.

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