Tropical Storm Nolo Strengthens to Hurricane Again in Pacific
Forecasters announced that Tropical Storm Nolo had regained hurricane strength in the Pacific Ocean on Friday, while Hurricane Rachel continued its westward path off Mexico.
Tropical Storm Nolo strengthened into a hurricane again Friday in the Pacific Ocean, the National Hurricane Center reported. The storm's center was approximately 105 miles (165 kilometers) west-southwest of French Frigate Shoals and was moving west at 6 mph (9 kph).
Maximum sustained winds reached around 75 mph (120 kph), according to an advisory from the Miami-based center, which indicated that rapid intensification was possible over the following day. Nolo was projected to pass through the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, a protected area in the Pacific that includes islands, atolls, sea mounts, shoals, and coral reefs, but remain south of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
A Tropical Storm warning was issued for the national monument, covering the area from French Frigate Shoals to Lisianski Island, including Maro Reef. Nolo had previously skirted the Hawaiian Islands at hurricane strength on Saturday. Although a hurricane watch was canceled, officials noted the storm still presented risks of flash floods, strong winds, and extreme surf in regions still recovering from previous storms.
Hawaiian officials had advised residents to prepare emergency kits, and the governor issued an emergency proclamation, mobilizing over 230 members of the Hawaii National Guard. Earlier in the week, President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration, authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate assistance and provide financial support.
The region is still experiencing the aftermath of Hurricane Lala, which passed through Hawaii without making landfall in August. Lala produced heavy rainfall and winds strong enough to dislodge approximately 100 homes from their foundations on the Big Island.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Rachel was moving slowly through the Pacific off the coast of western Mexico. Rachel was forecast to maintain a generally westward trajectory away from land and remain a hurricane into the early part of the upcoming week. Northern Mexico and parts of the U.S. Southwest experienced flooding and damage from the remnants of Hurricane Polo earlier in the week.