by Donald Wood
Last updated: 11:34 AM ET, Thu August 23, 2018
Update: August 24, 2018 at 9:10 a.m. ET
The National Weather Service announced Thursday that Hurricane Lane was officially downgraded to a Category 3 storm.
According to The Associated Press, Hurricane Lane started dumping rain on the Hawaiian Islands Thursday night, with the Big Island receiving 20 inches of rain over a 24-hour period. Meteorologists say the Big Island and Maui will be in the thick of the storm.
Despite being downgraded to a Category 3 storm, the hurricane is still producing maximum sustained winds from 111 to 129 miles per hour. It is expected to bring dangerous surf and flooding the to the islands Friday.
As a result of the storm's projected path, airlines continue to cancel flights and waive change fees for customers visiting Hawaii, including Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian and United.
Update: August 23, 2018 at 11:55 a.m. ET
Hawaii Tourism Authority president and CEO George D. Szigeti released a statement about the incoming Hurricane Lane and how the state is preparing for the storm:
"This is a dangerous hurricane that is a very serious threat to Hawaii. Everyone should focus on staying safe and avoiding any situation that puts them in harm's way. The state and counties are working collaboratively to bring all of our government resources to bear to protect our people and communities."
"Visitors should heed the advice of civil defense officials, as well as our airline, hotel and tourism industry professionals as they do a consistently excellent job of taking care of guests during times of crisis. Visitors who have trips planned to Hawaii should check with their airline and accommodation providers to see if travel adjustments need to be made."
Original Text
The residents and tourists in Hawaii are starting to experience the impact of the approaching Category 4 Hurricane Lane.
According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Lane was downgraded from a more severe Category 5 storm Wednesday night, but it is still registering maximum sustained winds speeds of 155 miles per hour.
As of Wednesday morning, the islands of Hawaii, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe were under a hurricane warning, while Oahu and Kauai remained under hurricane watch. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center said hurricane conditions are expected within the next 36 hours throughout the island chain.
For travelers, many airlines are waiving change fees and offering refunds for flight cancellations to airports throughout Hawaii. Some of the major carriers in the United States are supporting passengers as a result of Hurricane Lane, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines and United Airlines.
Impacted travelers are being advised to contact their carrier or local travel agent to reschedule flights or receive compensation for canceled flights.
As for cruise passengers, Norwegian Cruise Line's Hawaii-based Pride of America did not visit Hilo Tuesday or Kona Wednesday and will spend Thursday and Friday at sea instead of stopping in Kauai as scheduled, according to Cruise Critic.
The Pride of America's next sailing in Hawaii is scheduled to depart August 25.
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