Hurricane Nolo Threatens Hawaii with Catastrophic Flooding and High Winds

Hurricane Nolo is poised to bring catastrophic flooding and powerful winds to Hawaii this weekend, prompting a state of emergency across the islands. Forecasters predict that the strengthening storm could deliver historic levels of rainfall, particularly to the Big Island (Hawaii Island), with the potential for as much as 55 inches, or nearly five feet, of precipitation over the course of a week.

This projected rainfall would make Nolo the second wettest hurricane in Hawaii's recorded history, trailing only Hurricane Lane's 58 inches in 2018. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued warnings that life-threatening, catastrophic flooding and mudslides are possible, especially in rugged terrain on the eastern and southern parts of the Big Island and Maui.

Local officials are urging residents and tourists to prepare for possible evacuations from flood-prone areas as the hurricane makes its closest approach. While Nolo is not expected to make direct landfall, AccuWeather forecasts that at least two to four inches of rain will fall across the entire island chain. The storm is currently located approximately 140 miles from Hawaii.

Both Maui and the Big Island are also bracing for sustained wind gusts between 60 and 80 mph through Monday. Nolo intensified into a tropical storm on Wednesday, less than 400 miles south of Hawaii, and has been steadily gaining strength. AccuWeather and the NHC anticipate Nolo will reach major hurricane status by Saturday afternoon, becoming a Category 3 storm with sustained winds exceeding 111 mph.

Saturday is expected to be the peak of the threat. The heaviest rainfall and potential hurricane-force winds are anticipated to impact the eastern slopes of the Big Island, with forecasts predicting at least two feet of rain for this region. Maui, located about 30 miles west of the Big Island, could experience increasing rain and tropical storm conditions on Saturday, with winds ranging from 40 to 60 mph.

Mayor Richard Bissen of Maui County emphasized the need for preparedness, stating, "During this above-normal hurricane season, recent storms remind us that we cannot afford to be complacent." He added, "Our top priority is the safety of our community. Now is the time for all of us to review household emergency plans, check supplies and make sure you can receive important alerts and information."

National Weather Service officials in Honolulu have advised residents to evacuate immediately if ordered. The Big Island, home to over 200,000 people, is still recovering from the impacts of Hurricanes Lala and Lowell earlier in the summer. Hurricane Lala, which struck on August 15, caused at least five deaths, destroyed over 100 homes, and damaged hundreds more, with the heaviest impact on the Big Island. The subsequent flooding and mudslides from Lala led to more than 100 homes being washed away.

Hurricane Lowell impacted the western islands of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau in September, resulting in widespread power outages and property damage. Emergency shelters are being opened on the Big Island in anticipation of Nolo's arrival. Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda advised residents, "If your home flooded before, or is at risk, consider moving to safer shelter before the full force of the storm hits. Because the ground remains saturated, flooding may happen rapidly."

By Sunday, Nolo is expected to begin moving away from Hawaii, though it may continue to strengthen into a Category 4 storm with winds exceeding 130 mph. Rainfall and flooding are likely to persist before gradually easing early in the following week.