Hurricane Nolo Threatens Hawaii With Major Flooding and Dangerous Surf
Hurricane Nolo approaches Hawaii's Big Island, bringing threats of life-threatening floods and high winds. President Trump approves emergency aid for the state.
POLICY WIRE — Naalehu, Hawaii — Hurricane Nolo is intensifying as it tracks through the Pacific, with forecasters warning of severe rainfall, life-threatening flash floods, and hazardous surf conditions for the Big Island.
The National Hurricane Center reports that Nolo, currently a Category 1 storm with 105 mph winds, is expected to reach major hurricane status over the weekend. Tropical storm conditions are anticipated to impact the Big Island starting Friday night, with the potential for hurricane-force winds by Saturday, particularly in areas with steep terrain.
As of the 11 p.m. ET update, the storm was positioned 145 miles south of South Point, moving north-northeast at 3 mph. While the center of the storm is projected to remain south of the main islands, outer rain bands are already affecting the region.
This event marks the third hurricane to threaten Hawaii in less than two months, following the paths of Lala and Lowell. Experts attribute this heightened activity to a record-setting El Niño, a climate pattern that increases sea surface temperatures and fosters more frequent, intense cyclones in the eastern Pacific.
In response to the looming threat, Governor Josh Green confirmed that President Donald Trump has approved an emergency declaration. This federal action provides critical assistance for emergency protective measures across the state.
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For residents like Mark Peters, who has lived in Naalehu for seven years, the arrival of another major storm is emotionally taxing. He noted that the community is still in the early stages of recovering from previous storms, describing the ongoing reconstruction as a long-term process that will take years.
Local resident Tess Kala expressed shock at the frequency of these back-to-back disasters, noting that many multi-generational families in the area have never experienced such conditions before. Residents are currently working to secure their properties by clearing debris and reinforcing structures.
The National Hurricane Center warns that eastern and southern portions of the Big Island could see between 10 and 15 inches of rain, with some areas potentially receiving up to 25 inches. Maui is also expected to face significant rainfall, with totals reaching up to 10 inches in some locations.
Beyond the rain, the storm poses risks of tornadoes and large, damaging waves along the coastline. A hurricane watch and tropical storm warning are currently in effect for Hawaii County, while a tropical storm watch remains active for Maui County.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
