Tropical storm warning issued for Big Island as Nolo nears hurricane strength
Nolo is forecast to become a hurricane by Thursday night and could become a major hurricane by the weekend as it approaches the Big Island.
This story was updated at 11:13 a.m. on Sept. 24.
A tropical storm warning has been issued for Hawai‘i County as Nolo nears hurricane strength, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center’s 11 a.m. Thursday advisory.
Tropical Storm Nolo hasn’t moved since 5 a.m. Thursday and is churning about 285 miles south of South Point. Maximum sustained winds have increased to 70 mph.
Big Island residents should finish preparing for the storm soon. Nolo is forecast to become a hurricane by Thursday night and could become a major hurricane by the weekend as it approaches the Big Island.
A hurricane watch remains in effect for the Big Island. Nolo is moving at 2 mph; however, a faster motion to the north or north-northeast is expected later today through Friday, followed by a sharp westward turn on Saturday in the vicinity of the Big Island.
“Nolo is expected to pass near or just south of the Big Island of Hawai‘i on Saturday as a major hurricane,” according to the latest advisory. Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin on the Big Island Friday night with hurricane conditions possible on Saturday, particularly in areas of
steep terrain.”
Residents should follow advice given by local officials, including evacuating if told to do so.
“A track closer to the Big Island could substantially increase the threat of damaging winds, particularly over higher terrain, along exposed ridges, and in areas downwind of the ridges,” the forecast said.
A flood watch also remains in effect for the Big Island through Saturday afternoon.
Life-threatening, catastrophic flooding and mudslides are possible, especially in areas of steep terrain across the Big Island and Maui. Across the remainder of Hawai‘i, lesser rainfall totals are expected, with isolated flooding possible.
Large and damaging waves also are possible along portions of the Big Island’s coastline into the weekend.
Tropical storm force winds extended outward up to 90 miles from the storm’s center as of Wednesday night.
A track closer to the Big Island could also result in interactions with the island’s terrain that could further influence the cyclone’s subsequent motion.
“Given these uncertainties, confidence in the track forecast remains lower than normal,” the forecast said.
Hazards likely to impact land
WIND: Hurricane conditions are possible in the watch area starting as early as Friday night.
RAINFALL: Tropical Storm Nolo will produce rainfall totals of 15 to 20 inches around the Big Island. with maximum amounts of 35 inches. This rainfall could produce catastrophic life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain mainly in windward and southeast locations. Bands of intense showers and thunderstorms associated with Nolo will reach the Big Island as early as Thursday.
STORM SURGE: The combination of dangerous storm surge and tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. The water could reach 1 to 3 feet above ground in some locations if peak surge occurs at the time of high tide.
The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast near and to the right of the landfall location, where the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves. Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances.
SURF: Swells generated by Nolo are expected to reach exposed east- and south-facing shores as well as southeast-facing shores of the Big Island by Friday, spreading westward and building through the weekend. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
TORNADOES/WATER SPOUTS: Tornadoes and large waterspouts will be possible associated with Nolo, mainly over and near the Big Island, along and to the right of the track of the hurricane.
Additional sources of information
Disaster preparedness information: American Red Cross.
Appropriate preparations: Ready.gov.
For storm information specific to your area, including possible inland watches and warnings, monitor products issued by the National Weather Service Honolulu forecast office.
Also be sure to check out the “What Big Island residents need to know about Tropical Storm Nolo” at Big Island Now.
