Tropical Storm Nolo Approaches Hawaii, Expected to Become Major Hurricane
The storm is forecast to strengthen significantly and could bring heavy rainfall and flooding to the Hawaiian Islands.
Tropical Storm Nolo is intensifying in the Pacific Ocean and is projected to become a major hurricane, potentially making a rare direct landfall in Hawaii. The storm is currently located about 300 miles southeast of South Point, Hawaii, with sustained winds of 40 mph and is moving at 6 mph.
The FOX Forecast Center anticipates Nolo will strengthen into a major hurricane by Saturday morning as it nears the Hawaiian Islands. A Hurricane Watch has been issued for the Big Island of Hawaii.
While it remains uncertain if the storm will make a direct landfall, its proximity to the islands is considered extremely rare for a major hurricane. Residents are being warned of significant impacts, primarily from heavy rainfall expected to begin Thursday and continue through the weekend. Forecasts suggest rainfall totals of 8 to 12 inches statewide, with localized amounts potentially exceeding 19 to 24 inches on the eastern side of the Big Island. This could lead to dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.
Flood Watches are in effect for more than half of the main Hawaiian Islands, including the Big Island, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe. The National Hurricane Center noted that the predicted rainfall is comparable to that expected from Hurricane Lala when it approached the state earlier in the season.
Powerful wind gusts are also a concern, with the FOX Forecast Center expecting winds to exceed 70 mph. Hurricane hunters are scheduled to fly into Tropical Storm Nolo on Thursday afternoon to gather additional data on the storm's development and its potential impacts.
Nolo is one of several storms currently active in the Pacific. Hurricanes Polo and Odalys are also churning in the region and are moving toward Mexico. The environmental conditions Nolo is currently experiencing are highly favorable for its continued development.