Tropical Storm Nolo nearing hurricane strength as it churns in the Pacific, targeting Hawaii
Forecasters expected Tropical Storm Nolo to strengthen into a major hurricane by Saturday morning as it makes its closest approach to the Hawaiian Islands.
Powerful nor’easter, strengthening tropical systems target millions into the weekend
It’s an active weather weekend ahead as the East Coast faces a powerful nor’easter, Hawaii prepares for future major Hurricane Nolo and Hurricane Polo continues its move along the Mexico coast. FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross is live with the latest exclusive analysis on what’s ahead this weekend.
THE TAKEAWAY
- Tropical Storm Nolo is strengthening in the Pacific and is expected to become a major hurricane this weekend.
- Precipitation totals ranging from 8 to 12 inches and 19 to 24 inches on the eastern side of the island are possible.
- A Hurricane Watch has been issued for Hawaii's Big Island and Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings are in effect for the other Islands.
As an active week of severe weather unfolds across the U.S., Tropical Storm Nolo could strengthen into a major hurricane and make a rare direct landfall in the Hawaiian Islands.
Tropical Storm Nolo is among multiple other storms churning in the Pacific, including Hurricane Polo and Odalys, which are barreling toward Mexico.
Conditions in the Pacific are not easing up as Tropical Storm Nolo, located southeast of the Hawaiian Islands, enters much more favorable environmental conditions for further development.
THE LATEST FROM FOX WEATHER HURRICANE SPECIALIST BRYAN NORCROSS
The National Hurricane Center said Nolo is currently about 285 miles from South Point, Hawaii, with sustained winds of 70 mph.
The FOX Forecast Center expects Tropical Storm Nolo to strengthen into a major hurricane by Saturday morning as it makes its closest approach to the Hawaiian Islands.
A Hurricane Watch has been issued for Hawaii's Big Island, according to the National Hurricane Center.
A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for Hawaii County and a Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Maui County, including the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe.
(FOX Weather)
"It remains uncertain whether the storm will make direct landfall," the FOX Forecast Center said. "However, it is extremely rare for a major hurricane to come this close to the Hawaiian Islands."
The main concern for the state is heavy rain starting Thursday and continuing through the weekend, with totals around 8 to 12 inches and 19 to 24 inches on the eastern side of the island.
Localized totals could exceed 30 inches through the weekend, fueling a dangerous flood threat for thousands of residents statewide.
Watch: Strong winds, heavy rain blasts Hawaii's Big Island as Hurricane Hone spins to the south
A video recorded on Hawaii's Big Island shows heavy rain and strong winds blasting the region as Hurricane Hone spun off to the south on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024.
As a result, Flood Watches are in effect for more than half of the main Hawaiian Islands, including the Big Island, Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe. The persistent downpours may create catastrophic flash flooding.
"The time to prepare for significant heavy rain and flooding impacts on the Big Island is now, as heavy rain becomes more likely by Thursday and Friday, NOAA said. "Life-threatening, catastrophic flooding and mudslides are possible."
(FOX Weather)
The predicted rainfall is very similar to what was expected for Hurricane Lala, when it made a close approach to the state earlier in the season.
Powerful wind gusts will also be a concern, as the FOX Forecast Center expects the storm to produce winds over 70 mph.
TROPICAL DEPRESSION FIFTEEN-E REDEVELOPS, COULD MAKE RARE LANDFALL ON HAWAII AS A MAJOR HURRICANE
Hurricane hunters are set to fly into Tropical Storm Nolo Thursday afternoon to gather more data on the fast-approaching storm and what to expect in terms of impacts heading into the weekend.