Hurricane Nolo Lashes Hawaii Amidst Potential Volcanic Hail Threat

Millions of Hawaii residents are on alert for hazardous weather this weekend as Hurricane Nolo swirls off the coast, bringing heavy rain and high winds to the Aloha State.

As of Sunday morning, Nolo was a Category 2 hurricane with winds up to 105 mph, located south of the Big Island and moving west at 9 mph. The storm briefly weakened to Category 1 on Saturday but re-strengthened overnight. It is expected to become stronger and make a westward turn, with its center remaining well south of the Hawaiian Islands.

Outer rain bands from Nolo are continuing to affect parts of the Big Island and Maui on Sunday, with diminishing intensity expected later in the day. A flood watch remains in effect for the Big Island through Sunday night. All tropical storm alerts for Hawaii have been cancelled due to the storm's weakening trend on Saturday, but gusty winds and large waves are still expected.

Nolo is one of three hurricanes currently active in the Pacific. Hurricane Polo remains a major Category 3 hurricane with 120 mph winds and is forecast to bring tropical storm conditions to parts of the Baja California Sur as early as Sunday night or Monday. Hurricane Odalys, a weakening Category 1 storm with 75 mph winds, is expected to turn south and dissipate later Sunday.

This marks the first time since 2015 that three simultaneous hurricanes have formed in the Pacific, when Kilo, Ignacio, and Jimena were active.

Volcanic Hail Concerns

Amidst the hurricane threat, officials are expressing concern about the potential emergence of volcanic hail, also known as tephra, from the Kilauea volcano on the Big Island. Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda stated that precursor activity has been detected, putting officials on high alert.

"It could shoot as high as a thousand feet, right? And then if there is wind, then that wind pushes that tephra all over to the surrounding community," Alameda said. He noted that tephra could contaminate water catchment systems, damage swimming pools, and make roads hazardous. "So, it becomes to the threshold of a disaster."

Emergency officials are closely monitoring the volcanic activity. The state is still recovering from four natural disasters in 2026, which are estimated to cost $1 billion. Residents on the Big Island are also still dealing with debris from Hurricane Lala, which made landfall just six weeks prior.

"It's been rough, and we're doing the best we can in responding and trying to keep the spirits up for our residents," Alameda said. "But you know, it brings us together. I believe in every unfortunate situation there are many blessings, and so we look for those blessings, and that's what keeps us strong."