Hawaii residents brace themselves as hurricane approaches

Hurricane Lane south of Hawaii (NOAA/P) Credit: AP/Press Association Images

A hurricane heading towards Hawaii has been downgraded to a Category 4 event, with some weakening of the storm forecast over the next two days.

The US National Weather Service said the hurricane’s maximum sustained winds are near 155mph, with higher gusts.

The service warned that the hurricane is still forecast to be extremely dangerous as it gets closer to the islands.