Hurricane watch issued for Hawaii’s Big Island as Tropical Storm Nolo approaches
A hurricane watch has been issued for Hawaii’s Big Island as Tropical Storm Nolo strengthens south of the islands, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The storm could become a major hurricane by the weekend and bring “catastrophic” flooding and mudslides.
Nolo formed on Wednesday and was centered about 310 miles south of South Point on the Big Island, or 500 miles south-southeast of Honolulu, at 11 a.m. Hawaii time, according to the NHC. Maximum sustained winds have increased to 40 miles per hour, with higher gusts.
The storm was moving west-northwest at 6 miles per hour. Forecasters expect a sharp turn north and then north-northeast on Thursday, taking Nolo toward the Big Island on Friday and Saturday.
Nolo is forecast to become a hurricane on Thursday and could reach major hurricane strength by the weekend. Hurricane conditions are possible in Hawaii County, which covers the Big Island, starting as early as late Friday.
The hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible within the area. Such watches are typically issued about 48 hours before the anticipated arrival of tropical-storm-force winds, which can make outdoor preparations difficult or dangerous.
Rainfall totals of 15 to 20 inches are forecast across the Big Island, with isolated amounts of up to 35 inches.
“This rainfall may produce catastrophic life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain,” the hurricane center said.
Maui could receive 5 to 10 inches of rain, with maximum amounts of 20 inches. Life-threatening flooding and mudslides are also possible there, particularly in mountainous areas.
Across the rest of the Hawaiian Islands, forecasters expect 1 to 3 inches of rain, with isolated totals of 6 inches and possible localized flooding.
Storm surge could bring water 1 to 3 feet above ground in coastal areas of Hawaii County if the peak surge coincides with high tide. The deepest water would occur near and to the right of any landfall location, accompanied by large, dangerous waves.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
