Hawaii avoids deadly blow

HAWAII emerged Saturday from the threat of a potentially devastating hurricane after torrential rain forced evacuations on some islands but damage appeared less than feared.

Tropical Storm Lane, once known as Hurricane Lane, began to break apart as it veered west into the open Pacific, leaving behind sighs of relief and plenty of clean-up, especially on the Big Island where rainfall totals approached 1.2m.

No deaths have been reported though Big Island authorities said they plucked families from floodwaters and landslides closed roads.