Tropical Storm Nolo formed in the Pacific on Wednesday, and a hurricane watch was issued for Hawaiʻi Island as the system strengthens and nears the state, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Tropical Storm Nolo forecast and track
Forecasters said Nolo is expected to reach hurricane strength by Thursday night and could intensify into a major hurricane over the weekend. A major hurricane is Category 3 or higher, with sustained winds of at least 111 mph.
As of Wednesday night local time, Nolo had maximum sustained winds near 45 mph and was moving west-northwest at about 7 mph. The center said a sharp turn to the north and north-northeast was expected late Wednesday through Thursday.
The system is forecast to approach the Big Island Friday into Saturday. Additional details are available from the National Hurricane Center.
Heavy rain, flooding risk for Hawaiʻi
Rainfall totals on the Big Island are expected to reach 15 to 20 inches, with localized amounts up to 35 inches possible. The National Hurricane Center warned that the intense rainfall could produce catastrophic, life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in steep terrain.
Maui could see 5 to 10 inches of rain, with isolated totals up to 20 inches and similar threats of life-threatening flooding and mudslides. Other islands could receive 1 to 3 inches, with up to 6 inches in spots and a risk of isolated flooding.
Regional outlook and active season
Tropical Storm Nolo formed while Hurricane Polo continued spinning farther east in the Pacific off Mexico’s southwestern coast. The storms add to an unusually active season across the basin.
Earlier this month, Hurricane Lowell brought damaging winds and heavy rain to Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, downing trees, damaging roads and cutting power to thousands. Last month, Hurricane Lala washed away about 100 homes, triggered landslides and caused widespread outages as it brushed past Hawaiʻi.
For broader context on how national institutions respond during high-impact events, see United Nations General Assembly: Trump set to address world body. Additional statewide emergency information can be found on the State of Hawaiʻi website.
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