Hurricane Watch: Nolo strengthens slightly, expected to make sharp turn to north, northeast Thursday

Updated at 3:07 p.m. Sept. 23, 2026.

A hurricane watch remains in effect for the entire Big Island, with Tropical Storm Nolo strengthening slightly Wednesday afternoon to maximum sustained winds of 45 mph, with higher gusts.

Nolo is forecast to become a hurricane Thursday and could become a major hurricane by the weekend as it approaches the Big Island, according to the National Hurricane Center.

As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, the storm was churning about 305 miles south of South Point on the Big Island and moving west at 9 mph.

A sharp turn to the north and north-northeast is expected Thursday, with this motion continuing through the end of the week. Nolo is expected to approach the Big Island on Friday and Saturday.

Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 35 miles from the storm’s center.

Hazards affecting land

WIND: Hurricane conditions are possible in the watch area starting as early as Friday night.

RAINFALL: 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.

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 somewhere in the indicated areas 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 landfall location, where the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves. Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of surge and tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances.

SURF: Swells generated by Nolo are expected to reach exposed east 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.

For storm information specific to your area, including possible inland watches and warnings, monitor products issued by the National Weather Service Honolulu forecast office.