A hurricane watch has been issued for Hawaii’s Big Island as Tropical Storm Nolo develops in the Pacific Ocean, the National Hurricane Center announced Wednesday. The storm is projected to strengthen into a hurricane by Thursday and could intensify further into a major hurricane by the weekend, defined as a Category 3 storm with sustained winds of at least 111 mph.
As of Wednesday afternoon local time, Nolo was traveling west-northwest with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. Forecasters predict the system will make a sharp turn toward the north and north-northeast on Thursday before approaching the Big Island on Friday or Saturday.
The hurricane center warned that the island could receive 15 to 20 inches of rain, with some areas potentially seeing up to 35 inches. These extreme rainfall totals pose a significant risk of life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in steep terrain.
Maui is expected to experience 5 to 10 inches of rain, with localized totals reaching 20 inches, also raising concerns about dangerous flooding and mudslides. Residents on the remaining Hawaiian islands are forecast to receive between 1 and 3 inches of rain, with isolated flooding possible.
Nolo’s development coincides with Hurricane Polo, which continues to circulate farther east in the Pacific near Mexico’s southwestern coast. The arrival of these storms highlights an unusually active season in the Pacific basin.
This follows a period of significant weather-related disruption for Hawaii. Earlier this month, Hurricane Lowell battered the western islands of Kauai and Niihau, causing extensive damage including fallen trees, road destruction, and power outages for thousands. Last month, Hurricane Lala brushed past Hawaii, resulting in widespread power failures, landslides, and the destruction of approximately 100 homes.
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