Hurricane Nolo expected to strengthen, bring catastrophic flooding, several feet of rain to Hawaiian Islands
Hurricane Nolo is forecast to strengthen into a major hurricane this weekend bringing the threat of torrential rain, catastrophic flooding, mudslides and damaging winds to the Big Island.
Nolo set to become major hurricane south of Hawaii, bringing 'catastrophic flooding' to Big Island
Nolo strengthened into a hurricane late Thursday and is expected to become a major hurricane (Cat 3+) on Saturday as it passes south of Hawaii. However, it is still expected to produce "catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding" for parts of the Big Island that could see up to 35 inches of rain, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the Big Island.
THE TAKEAWAY
- Hurricane Nolo is expected to strengthen into a major storm (Category 3+) as it makes a close pass south of Hawaii this weekend.
- "Catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding" are expected across parts of the Big Island that could see up to 35 inches of rain.
- Hawaii, which generally doesn't see much tropical activity, is seeing impacts from its fourth tropical threat this season.
Nolo strengthened into a hurricane late Thursday and is expected to become a major hurricane (Cat 3+) on Saturday as it passes south of Hawaii. However, it is still expected to produce "catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding" for parts of the Big Island that could see up to 35 inches of rain, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
The storm is located 240 miles south of South Point, Hawaii, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph, making the storm a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson wind scale.
A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the Big Island and a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Maui.
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Nolo is expected to make an exceptionally close pass to the Big Island Saturday, although if Nolo takes a more northerly track the damaging wind threat will increase.
Wind gusts could also exceed 50 mph as the system makes its close approach, the FOX Forecast Center said.
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Rain is beginning to lash the Big Island and is expected to intensify through the weekend.
According to the FOX Forecast Center, widespread rainfall totals of 8 to 12 inches or more are likely, with 18 to 24 inches possible across the island’s eastern side and localized totals exceeding 35 inches.
A familiar threat from Hawaiian tropical systems will also be present: mudslides.
Catastrophic, life-threatening flooding and mudslides will be possible, particularly across the Big Island’s steep terrain.
Hawaii, which generally doesn't see much tropical activity, is seeing impacts from its fourth tropical threat this season.
Hurricane Lala and, more recently, Hurricane Lowell have already impacted the islands, as a strengthening Super El Niño fuels what seems like a nonstop parade of tropical systems across the Pacific.
With Hawaii still reeling from previous storms, extreme rainfall — particularly in areas already affected by heavy rain this season — could trigger catastrophic flash flooding.
Damage reported on Maui as Hurricane Lowell impacts the Hawaiian Islands. (Hawaii Department of Transportation / FOX Weather)
Flood watches are now in effect for the Big Island, Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe through Saturday.
On the Big Island, storm surge up to 3-feet is also possible, with south-facing shorelines facing a heightened threat based on the storm's approach.