NASA tracks major Hurricane Lane in the Pacific

NASA analyzes a solid ring of cold cloud tops in Hurricane Lane.

Using the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer or MODIS instrument aboard NASA’s Terra satellite analyzed cloud top temperatures in infrared light. An infrared look by NASA‘s Terra satellite provided forecasters with temperature information in the Category 4 hurricane near Hawaii. The information demonstrated a vast ring of coldest and most ground-breaking storms around Hurricane Lane’s eye on Aug. 23.

Scientists warn that this Hurricane can affect Oahu, Maui County including the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe and Hawaii County. A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Kauai County, including the islands of Kauai and Niiha.

MODIS tracked cloud top temperatures of the most grounded thunderstorms northeast and southwest of the eye were as cold as or colder than short 80 degrees Fahrenheit (less 62.2 Celsius). They were embedded in a huge area or storms that surrounded the eye where cloud top temperatures were as chilly as or colder than less 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

NOAA’s Central Pacific Hurricane Center or CPHC noted, “The cloud-filled eye continues to be surrounded by a solid ring of cold cloud tops, with lightning bursts persisting in the northern eyewall for the last several hours.”

“Excessive rainfall associated with Lane will impact the Hawaiian Islands into the weekend, leading to significant and life-threatening flash flooding and landslides. Lane is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 10 to 20 inches, with localized amounts in excess of 30 inches over the Hawaiian Islands.”

“Lane is moving toward the northwest near 7 mph (11 kph). This general motion is expected to continue today, with a gradual turn toward the north-northwest. On Friday, a turn toward the north is anticipated as Lane’s forward motion slows even more. A turn back toward the west is expected on Saturday. On the forecast track, the center of Lane will move very close to or over the main Hawaiian Islands later today through Friday (Aug. 24).”

Maximum sustained winds are near 130 mph (215 kph) with higher gusts. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 40 miles (65 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles (220 km).

Lane is a powerful category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

Share

Latest Updates

Trending