Nolo strengthened into a hurricane Thursday night as it tracked toward Hawaiʻi Island, bringing torrential rainfall and damaging winds. While forecasters do not anticipate a direct landfall, authorities issued hurricane watches across the Big Island and warned residents to prepare for severe impacts through the weekend.
Rapid Intensification Expected Ahead of Weekend
Data from Air Force reconnaissance flights confirmed sustained winds of 75 mph late Thursday, prompting the National Hurricane Center to upgrade the system from a tropical storm to a hurricane. Forecasters predict that Nolo will intensify into a major hurricane by early Saturday morning, with maximum sustained winds of at least 111 mph. A hurricane watch covers the entire Big Island, while a hurricane warning remains in effect for offshore Hawaiian waters.
Tropical storm-force winds ranging from 39 to 73 mph could reach Hawaiʻi Island as early as Friday night. The National Weather Service Honolulu office cautioned that winds could damage buildings, topple trees, down power lines, and block roads across affected districts.
Heavy Rainfall and Flood Risks
Forecasters identified heavy rain as the storm's most serious hazard. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center expects rainfall totals between 15 and 30 inches across Hawaiʻi Island, with some locations receiving up to 35 inches. On Maui, projected rainfall ranges from 5 to 10 inches, with isolated totals reaching 20 inches.
The National Weather Service warned that streams, rivers, and drainage canals could overflow quickly. Runoff in mountainous areas could trigger mudslides and rockslides, while floodwaters could inundate homes and commercial properties. Forecast models indicate southeastern Hawaiʻi Island will receive the heaviest downpours over the coming three days.
Island Closures and Precautionary Measures
Local authorities enacted emergency precautions across multiple islands before conditions deteriorate. State parks, forest lands, and public camping sites closed across Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, and Molokaʻi. Utility companies warned customers to prepare for prolonged power and communication outages, positioning crews to respond.
The storm arrives as communities on the Big Island continue cleanup operations from Hurricane Lala, which brought widespread downpours in August. Meteorologists noted that El Niño conditions in the Pacific basin, with warmer sea-surface temperatures and low wind shear, have driven tropical storm activity this season.
Comments 0