Hawaii’s southern islands are preparing for a close encounter with Hurricane Nolo, the latest storm to test the state’s emergency response this season. Governor Josh Green announced a state of emergency on Thursday, the third storm‑related declaration this month, as Nolo intensified into a Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds of 85 mph.
Storm track and expected impacts
The National Hurricane Center reported that Nolo was about 200 miles south of the Big Island early Friday, moving generally northward. Forecasts show the storm’s closest approach will occur late Friday through Saturday, potentially as a high‑end Category 2 or even a Category 3 hurricane.
Extreme rainfall is the primary threat. The agency projects 10‑15 inches of rain for eastern and southern parts of the Big Island through Sunday, with up to 35 inches possible in the steepest terrain. The western side could see 5‑8 inches, while Maui may receive 4‑8 inches, with isolated amounts up to 15 inches. Other islands are expected to see 1‑3 inches.
Wind and sea conditions
In addition to rain, tropical‑storm‑force winds stronger than 40 mph are likely, and hurricane‑force gusts over 75 mph could affect the Big Island’s south side from Friday through at least Saturday. Higher elevations may experience stronger gusts. Offshore, dangerous seas will build, peaking Friday and Saturday, and rough conditions could persist into the following week as the storm tracks westward.
Local response and shelters
State and county offices, public schools, and the University of Hawaii are closed Thursday and Friday on the Big Island, with schools on Maui also closed Friday. County officials have opened shelters on the Big Island, and Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda urged residents in flood‑prone areas to consider moving to safer locations before the storm’s full force arrives.
The state has secured 100 hotel rooms for residents who need to evacuate, and hundreds of displaced individuals are already housed in hotels after earlier hurricanes Lala and Lowell.
Season context
This year’s strong El Niño has created unusually warm Pacific waters, fostering rapid intensification of tropical systems. Nolo is the 19th named storm of the season, including three Category 5 hurricanes, with two months of the season still remaining. For the second time this month, three hurricanes—Nolo, Odalys, and Polo—are active simultaneously in the Pacific.
Officials continue to monitor the storm and advise residents to stay informed through local forecasts and the CNN Weather app.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
