Nolo Intensifies to Major Hurricane Status, Threatening Hawaii with Catastrophic Flooding

Key points

• Nolo is forecast to strengthen into a Category 3 hurricane by Saturday as it approaches Hawaii’s Big Island.
• The storm is expected to bring 15 to 20 inches of rain to the Big Island, with localized amounts up to 35 inches, potentially causing catastrophic flooding and mudslides.
• A hurricane watch remains in effect for Hawaii County, and a flood watch covers multiple islands through Saturday.
• The storm is moving into an area with very warm sea surface temperatures and abundant moisture, which is expected to fuel its rapid strengthening.
• Areas on the Big Island that were heavily damaged by flooding from Hurricane Lala in August are particularly vulnerable to the new storm's impacts.

Background

This development follows earlier coverage of Tropical Storm Nolo, which was already forecast to strengthen into a major hurricane and approach Hawaii’s Big Island by Friday, September 25. The storm is part of an active Pacific hurricane season, which has already seen three named storms impact the islands. El Niño is cited as a key driver of the active season, and NOAA has predicted five to 13 tropical storms this year, above the typical four to five.

How outlets are covering it

The Washington Post emphasizes the storm's rapid strengthening into a Category 3 hurricane and the potential for life-threatening flooding and mudslides. Hawaii News Now and Maui Now focus on the storm's northward turn and the hurricane watch for Hawaii County, while also highlighting the potential for catastrophic flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas already damaged by Hurricane Lala. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser provides a broader context of the active Pacific hurricane season and the potential impacts on the islands.

Why it matters

The rapid strengthening of Tropical Storm Nolo into a major hurricane poses a significant threat to Hawaii, particularly the Big Island, with the potential for catastrophic flooding, mudslides, and life-threatening winds. The storm's impacts could be especially severe in areas already damaged by Hurricane Lala in August, and the hurricane and flood watches underscore the need for residents to prepare for potentially dangerous conditions.

What to watch

The National Hurricane Center will continue to monitor Nolo's path and intensity, and updates to the hurricane and flood watches are expected as the storm approaches Hawaii. Residents in affected areas are advised to prepare for potentially life-threatening conditions, including heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surge.