Hurricane Nolo continues to churn about 240 miles south of South Point

Category 1 Hurricane Nolo continued strengthening as of 11 p.m. Thursday, moving 5 mph to the north-northeast, with sustained winds of 80 mph and higher gusts. The storm was located about 240 miles south of South Point.

That general motion is expected to continue, with a decrease in forward speed forecast through late Friday. A turn toward the west-northwest and west with an increase in forward speed is then expected Saturday and Sunday.

Nolo is expected to bring possible catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding as well as mudslides across windward and southeast Big Island into the weekend as it passes south. Flooding can occur even in areas not usually prone to flooding.

A hurricane watch, tropical storm warning, flood watch and high surf advisory all remain in effect for the island.

Bands of intense showers and thunderstorms associated with Nolo will reach the Big Island during the next couple of days.

Excessive rainfall is possible, which could lead to locally catastrophic flash flooding and

Additional rainfall amounts of 10 to 15 inches are possible on the Big Island, with localized higher amounts of 20 inches. Rainfall totals of 15 to 30 inches, with maximum amounts of 35 inches, are possible.

The center of Nolo should remain well south of the main Hawaiian Islands after passing south of Big Island. However, impacts from the hurricane will be felt well-outside the center of the storm.

Nolo is expected to become a major hurricane Saturday.

Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 40 miles from the storm’s center, with tropical storm force winds extending outward up to 105 miles.

Key messages

• Nolo is expected remain south of the Big Island through Saturday before turning westward and moving away. Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin Friday night on the Big Island, with hurricane conditions possible on Saturday, particularly in areas of steep terrain, especially the eastern and southern portions of the island. Residents should follow given by local officials, including evacuating if told to do so.
• Large and damaging waves are likely along east, south and southeast portions of the Big Island’s coastline into the weekend.

Other hazards affecting land

RAINFALL: For western portions of the Big Island, rainfall totals of 5 to 8 inches, with maximum amounts of 10 inches, are expected.

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 areas if peak surge occurs at time of high tide. The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast and accompanied by large and dangerous waves. Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge and tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances.

SURF: Swells generated by Nolo are expected to reach exposed east-, southeast- and south-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/WATERSPOUTS: Tornadoes and large waterspouts will be possible associated with Nolo, mainly over and near the Big Island, along and to the right of the hurricane’s track.

Additional 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 Hurricane Nolo” at Big Island Now.