Hurricane Nolo Threatens Hawaii With Dangerous Flooding
Wertynews.com – Hurricane Nolo could cause catastrophic flooding on Hawaii’s Big Island as heavy rain, strong winds and possible mudslides affect the state. Although the storm’s center is forecast to stay well south of the main Hawaiian Islands, its broad circulation could bring severe weather, with eastern and southern parts of the Big Island facing the greatest danger.
By Friday evening, Nolo was a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph. Forecasters expected the system to strengthen further over the weekend, potentially reaching major-hurricane intensity.
Hawaii County was under a hurricane watch and tropical storm warning, while Maui County was under a tropical storm watch. Tropical-storm conditions began affecting parts of the Big Island Friday night, and hurricane conditions could develop early Saturday, especially near elevated and steep terrain.
Heavy Rain Raises Flash Flood and Mudslide Risks
The most serious threat from Nolo is expected to be rainfall, rather than a direct landfall. Eastern and southern areas of the Big Island could receive up to 25 inches of rain, increasing the risk of flash flooding, debris flows and landslides.
“Catastrophic and life-threatening” flash flooding is possible on the Big Island into this weekend.
Some forecasts warned that rainfall in the hardest-hit locations could approach 3 feet. Communities near streams, drainage channels and hillsides may face rapidly rising water and unstable ground. Residents in vulnerable areas should closely follow emergency alerts and evacuation directions from local officials.
Western parts of the Big Island were expected to receive generally 2 to 4 inches of rain, with isolated totals up to 8 inches. Maui could see 4 to 6 inches, with localized amounts up to 10 inches. Other parts of Hawaii were forecast to receive 1 to 3 inches, with isolated totals near 5 inches.
Winds and Closures Add to Hawaii’s Storm Concerns
Even while Nolo’s center remained hundreds of miles away, its wind field extended far from the core. Hurricane-force winds reached up to 45 miles from the center, while tropical-storm-force winds extended as far as 140 miles.
Strong gusts may damage trees, interrupt power service and make travel hazardous. Rain and wind together can create especially dangerous conditions on exposed roads and near slopes where branches, rocks or mud may fall.
State parks on the Big Island and Maui were being closed because of the approaching storm. The closures were intended to reduce exposure to flooding, rough conditions and unstable terrain.
Emergency Assistance and Storm Preparation
President Trump approved an emergency declaration for Hawaii on Friday, according to Gov. Josh Green. The declaration makes federal resources available to support the state’s response and recovery efforts related to Nolo.
Hurricane Nolo could cause catastrophic impacts even without its eye moving over land. Residents should monitor official forecasts, secure outdoor belongings where possible, keep emergency supplies ready and avoid driving through flooded roads. Floodwater can hide washed-out pavement, debris and other hazards.
Nolo is one of several active systems in the Pacific. Hurricane Polo was also spinning off Mexico’s southwestern coast, while Hawaii had already experienced damaging weather from Hurricanes Lowell and Lala earlier in the season.
Hurricane Nolo Hawaii FAQ
Which Hawaiian islands face the highest risk?
The Big Island faces the greatest risk, particularly eastern and southern areas. Maui could also receive heavy rain and tropical-storm conditions.
Why is flooding a concern if Nolo stays south of Hawaii?
Hurricane Nolo could cause catastrophic flooding because its rain bands can deliver extreme rainfall far from the storm’s center. Steep terrain and saturated ground can quickly worsen flash-flood and mudslide risks.
What should Hawaii residents do during heavy rain?
Follow alerts from local officials, avoid flooded roads and streams, and be prepared to leave if evacuation instructions are issued. People near slopes, drainage channels and flood-prone areas should remain especially alert for changing conditions.
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