Hurricane Nolo is strengthening south of Hawaii as forecasters warn that the storm could bring catastrophic flooding, mudslides and damaging winds to the Big Island beginning Friday.
Nolo became a Category 1 hurricane Thursday evening, with sustained winds of 75 mph. The storm was about 255 miles south of South Point on the Big Island Thursday night and moving north-northeast at about 5 mph. Forecasters expect Nolo to strengthen further and become a major hurricane this weekend.
The biggest immediate threat may be the rain. Eastern and southern parts of the Big Island could receive 15 to 30 inches, with isolated totals reaching 35 inches. That amount of rain could cause dangerous flash flooding and mudslides, especially in steep areas. Western portions of the island could receive 5 to 8 inches, while Maui could see 4 to 8 inches, with higher amounts in some locations.
Hawaii County is under a hurricane watch and tropical storm warning. Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin late Friday, with hurricane conditions possible by early Saturday. Forecasters also warn of large waves, dangerous surf and coastal flooding as Nolo moves closer to the islands.
Nolo is expected to approach the Big Island Friday and Saturday before making a sharp turn toward the west. Its exact track remains important because even a relatively small shift could change which areas receive the strongest winds and heaviest rainfall. Residents are being urged to finish preparations and follow instructions from local emergency officials.
The Readovia Lens
Nolo’s greatest danger may come from water rather than wind. With some areas potentially receiving nearly three feet of rain, communities on the Big Island face a serious risk of flooding and mudslides even if the hurricane’s center remains offshore.
