Hawaii, Now Facing Hurricane Lane, Has Had a Rough Year

As Hurricane Lane barrels toward Hawaii packing 130 mph winds, supermarket shelves are empty and residents are running out to get last minute supplies.

The storm is the latest in a series of misfortunes for the island chain. 

In January, a false missile alert sent residents and tourists into a panic. Meanwhile, in May, the Big Island's Kilauea volcano erupted, causing earthquakes and sending lava bombs rocketing through the air.

Although the lava flow has slowed since, some are worried that the hurricane’s winds could push toxic ash from the volcano back toward the Big Island. 

The outer bands of the storm, which is currently a Category 4 hurricane, already started to pummel Hawaii with rain on Thursday.

"Be prepared to shelter in place with 14 days of food supplies and water and any other necessities," Hawaii Gov. David Ige said at a news conference Wednesday.

Officials have opened shelters in Maui, Molokai and Lanai for what may be the most destructive storm to hit the island in decades. In 1992, Hurricane Iniki, also a Category 4 hurricane, caused billions of dollars in damage.

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