Nolo Intensifies: Hawaii Island Cancellations Mount as Storm Threatens Major Hurricane Status

Key points

• Tropical Storm Nolo is forecast to strengthen into a major hurricane by Friday, Sept. 25, as it approaches the Big Island.
• A hurricane watch is in effect for the Big Island, while flood watches cover multiple islands through Saturday.
• Cancellations on Hawaii Island include the Na Wahine O Ke Kai canoe race, Queen’s North Hawaii Community Hospital’s World’s Largest Pet Walk, and Fire Commission meetings.
• The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission canceled a public hearing on Hawaiian Electric’s rebasing proposal scheduled for Sept. 24, to be rescheduled later.
• Rainfall totals could reach 36 inches in higher elevations, with El Niño cited as a key driver of the active Pacific season.

Background

Hawaii experienced significant storm impacts in August from Tropical Storm Lala, which caused island-wide shutdowns, school closures, and infrastructure assessments. The current storm, Nolo, arrives as areas still recover from Lala, with forecasters warning of life-threatening winds and catastrophic flooding. The active Pacific season, influenced by El Niño, has already seen three named storms impact the islands.

How outlets are covering it

Hawaii News Now provides a detailed, island-by-island list of cancellations and closures on Hawaii Island, emphasizing specific events and public hearings. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser focuses on the storm’s intensification into a major hurricane and the broader threat to the state, highlighting the hurricane and flood watches. Both outlets agree on the severity of the storm but differ in emphasis, with HNN detailing local impacts and the Star-Advertiser focusing on the storm’s trajectory and potential.

Why it matters

The intensification of Tropical Storm Nolo into a major hurricane poses a significant threat to Hawaii, particularly the Big Island, with potential for catastrophic flooding and high winds. The cancellations and closures reflect the urgency of the situation and the need for residents to prepare for severe weather impacts. The storm’s arrival as areas recover from August’s Hurricane Lala exacerbates the risk of damage and disruption.

What to watch

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission will reschedule the public hearing on Hawaiian Electric’s rebasing proposal once conditions stabilize. More cancellations and closures are expected as the storm approaches, with updates to be provided as information becomes available. Residents are urged to prepare for possible impacts, including high winds and heavy rains, as the storm moves toward the state.