Hurricane Nolo intensifies near Hawaii: When storm hits Big Island, how much rainfall expected — latest updates | Today’s news
Hurricane Nolo was located less than 150 miles south of Hawaii’s Big Island on Saturday (Sept. 26) and brought tropical storm-force winds and heavy rain as the storm remained largely stationary, The Weather Channel reports.
The storm’s close approach means an unusually significant hurricane threat for the Big Island. The Weather Channel reported that Nolo is the closest storm of this strength to the island since the 1950s.
Tropical storm conditions, defined by winds of 39 to 73 mph, were reported across the Big Island, with gusts also affecting some wind-prone areas in Maui, Oahu and Kauai counties. More than 3 inches of rain has already been reported in parts of the Big Island.
Hurricane Nolo Forecast: The storm is expected to strengthen
Nolo was forecast to remain mostly stationary for several hours, but is expected to eventually move west and strengthen over the weekend.
The storm is forecast to become a major hurricane on Sunday.
The current forecast track keeps the core of Nolo and the strongest winds south of the Big Island. However, the forecast warned that the storm could vacillate near the island while moving slowly, potentially bringing stronger winds further north.
A hurricane watch remains in effect on the Big Island.
Even without a direct impact on land, significant impacts are expected in Hawaii, with rain, strong winds and dangerous ocean conditions affecting parts of the island chain.
Heavy rain is the biggest threat
Flooding is expected to be the most widespread and potentially dangerous impact of Nolo.
As the hurricane moves south of Hawaii, heavy rain is forecast for parts of the Big Island, Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe. Flood watches remain in effect in these areas.
Citing forecasts from NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center, The Weather Channel said rainfall could reach:
Big Island: Up to 25 inches in some areas
Maui: Up to 10 inches in some areas
Other islands: Up to 3 inches
The heaviest precipitation is expected on mountain slopes.
The National Hurricane Center warned of potentially life-threatening and catastrophic flash flooding and mudslides on the Big Island, while Maui could also face life-threatening flooding and mudslides.
The threat is particularly worrisome because parts of the Big Island and Maui County were hit by flooding, mudslides and strong winds from Hurricane Lala in August, with some communities only recently recovering, according to The Weather Channel.
Hurricane force winds possible
The forecast track currently poses the greatest risk of wind damage in parts of the Big Island.
While hurricane-force winds aren’t the most likely scenario on its current track, The Weather Channel said they can’t be completely ruled out if Nolo tracks further north.
Such winds could cause more severe damage to homes and businesses, while weaker but still strong gusts could bring down trees and cause power outages.
Mountainous terrain could further strengthen wind gusts. Stronger winds are possible on mountaintops and on the windward sides of slopes across the Hawaiian Islands.
Dangerous surf and coastal flooding
Nolo is also expected to cause large swells along the Hawaiian coast.
Larger swells were expected to reach the islands, creating dangerous surf and rip current conditions. Parts of the Big Island could also experience coastal flooding.
