Hurricane Nolo threatens catastrophic flooding in Hawaii
Hurricane Nolo has strengthened into a Category 2 storm south of Hawaii, where forecasters say heavy rain could cause catastrophic and life-threatening flooding on the Big Island. The hurricane’s center is forecast to remain well south of the islands as it strengthens further over the weekend.
An Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft measured maximum sustained winds of 105 mph, according to an 8:35 a.m. HST update on Friday from the National Hurricane Center (NHC). Nolo is about 185 miles south of South Point on the Big Island, moving north-northeast at 5 mph.
A tropical storm warning and hurricane watch remain in effect for Hawaii County, which covers the Big Island.
Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin Friday night, with hurricane conditions possible by early Saturday, particularly in areas of steep terrain. Maui County is under a tropical storm watch, with those conditions possible beginning Saturday.
The eastern and southern portions of the Big Island are forecast to receive 10 to 15 inches of rain, with isolated totals of 25 inches.
“This rainfall could produce catastrophic life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain,” the NHC said.
Western portions of the Big Island are expected to receive 2 to 4 inches, with local amounts of 8 inches. Maui could receive 4 to 6 inches, with maximum totals of 10 inches and a risk of life-threatening flooding and mudslides.
Elsewhere in the Hawaiian Islands, rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are forecast, with isolated amounts of 6 inches and possible localized flooding.
Nolo is expected to slow down through Friday night before turning west-northwest and then west over the weekend, picking up speed. Forecasters expect it to become a major hurricane during that period.
Storm surge could bring water 1 to 3 feet above ground along parts of Hawaii County’s coast if the peak surge coincides with high tide. Large waves are expected along the immediate coastline.
Swells are forecast to reach exposed east- and south-facing shores of the Big Island on Friday, spreading westward and building through the weekend. They are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip currents.
The post Hurricane Nolo threatens catastrophic flooding in Hawaii appeared first on BNO News.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
