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Flood Watches issued as Tropical Depression Fifteen-E redevelops, threatens Hawaii with rare direct landfall

The heavy rain will start to impact the Big Island sometime Wednesday afternoon, Hawaii time, and will continue through most of the island through the weekend.

By Kevin Fitzgerald
Source FOX Weather

Exclusive analysis: Hawaii on alert once again as Tropical Depression 15-E reforms in the Pacific

The exact track of newly reformed Tropical Depression 15-E currently has it heading directly toward the Big Island of Hawaii, before making a sharp turn to the west. FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross joins to provide exclusive analysis on the system and if it could become Tropical Storm Nolo. 

The tropical traffic jam in the Pacific is marching on, with the remnants of Tropical Depression Fifteen-E redeveloping near the Hawaiian Islands. 

Re-forming about 400 miles southeast of Hawaii's Big Island, Tropical Depression Fifteen-E is showing potential for increased development due to favorable environmental conditions across the Central Pacific.

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A flooded road is seen the day after Hurricane Lala in Hilo, Hawaii, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026. The Category 1 hurricane brought heavy rain and strong winds to the island of Hawaii before moving away without making landfall.  (Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle)

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Hawaii Department of Transportation workers inspect road damage caused by Hurricane Lala in Pahala, Hawaii, on August 16, 2026. Hurricane Lala was pulling away from Hawaii's Big Island early Sunday, as heavy rain and strong winds struck the US Pacific state and officials warned of potentially dangerous flooding. The heavy rain and flood risk will then spread westward across the island chain on Sunday, according to the NHC.  ( Jill K. Briggs / AFP)

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Vehicles make their way through a flooded intersection in front of the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, on August 16, 2026. Hurricane Lala was pulling away from Hawaii's Big Island early Sunday, as heavy rain and strong winds struck the US Pacific state and officials warned of potentially dangerous flooding. The heavy rain and flood risk will then spread westward across the island chain on Sunday, according to the NHC. (Eugene Tanner / AFP)

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Police officers from the Honolulu Police Department block a flooded street near the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, on August 16, 2026. Hurricane Lala was pulling away from Hawaii's Big Island early Sunday, as heavy rain and strong winds struck the US Pacific state and officials warned of potentially dangerous flooding. The heavy rain and flood risk will then spread westward across the island chain on Sunday, according to the NHC. ( Eugene Tanner / AFP)

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A road damaged by Hurricane Lala is seen in Mountain View, Hawaii, on August 16, 2026. Hurricane Lala was pulling away from Hawaii's Big Island early Sunday, as heavy rain and strong winds struck the US Pacific state and officials warned of potentially dangerous flooding. The heavy rain and flood risk will then spread westward across the island chain on Sunday, according to the NHC. (Jill K. Briggs / AFP)

EL NIÑO INTENSIFIES WITH NEARLY 100% ODDS STRENGTHENING INTO 'SUPER' STATUS AS ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON PEAKS

Fifteen-E would be named Nolo, the next name on the Central Pacific hurricane list.

Regardless of this storm becoming a named storm, the moisture and a low area of pressure will move across the Hawaii starting on Wednesday.

Tropical moisture will bring heavy rain and a possible flood threat to the area. Flood Watches have been issued for Hawaii's Big Island and Maui lasting through Saturday.

The heavy rain will start to impact the Big Island sometime Wednesday afternoon, Hawaii time, and will continue throughout most of the island through the weekend. 8–12 inches of rain is expected to fall.

The highest totals are possible across the eastern portion of the island, including Hilo. 

HURRICANE POLO EXPLODES INTO ONE OF PACIFIC’S STRONGEST HURRICANES EVER

"The forecast now highlights localized totals over 12-18 inches on the eastern side of the Big Island.," says the FOX Forecast Center. "Winds could, also gust upwards of 30-40mph as it makes a close approach."

This is an ongoing story. Stay with FOX Weather for all the latest developments.