Hilo, Hawaii — Hurricane Nolo has rapidly strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds reaching 145 mph as the powerful storm moves westward away from Hawaii. The storm gained 55 mph in just 24 hours and could intensify further before reaching its expected peak Monday.
Although Nolo is moving away from the state’s more populated islands, dangerous winds, flooding, mudslides, high surf and rip currents remain concerns across parts of Hawaii.
A hurricane watch has also been issued for portions of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument as Nolo continues westward.
Nolo Could Reach Category 5 Strength
Nolo has entered an environment that is allowing the hurricane to strengthen rapidly.
The storm was moving west-northwestward at about 12 mph Sunday, with its center positioned well south-southwest of Honolulu. According to the latest forecast, Nolo could continue strengthening and potentially reach Category 5 intensity Monday before weakening later in the week.
The storm’s movement is also expected to change.
Nolo is forecast to turn increasingly toward the northwest and eventually north before making another sharp turn toward the west Wednesday. That changing track will keep forecasters watching the system closely even as it moves farther from the main Hawaiian Islands.
Hawaii Still Faces Dangerous Conditions
The most significant effects from Nolo across the main islands are gradually easing, but the danger has not completely disappeared.
Wind alerts remain in effect for portions of the Big Island and Maui County, where gusts could reach around 50 mph. Stronger gusts are possible near mountain peaks and on the downwind sides of steep slopes throughout the island chain.
The storm’s heavy rainfall is also pulling away from the Big Island, Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe. However, saturated and unstable terrain means the risk of landslides can continue even after the heaviest rain has moved away.
More Than 14 Inches of Rain Reported
Nolo produced significant rainfall across Hawaii, with more than 14 inches reported at some of the highest elevations of the Big Island.
Heavy rain on steep terrain can create dangerous runoff and destabilize hillsides. Floodwater and debris can also travel well beyond the locations that received the heaviest rainfall.
That means residents should not assume that conditions are safe simply because rainfall has decreased.
The Big Island and parts of Maui County were already dealing with the effects of Hurricane Lala in mid-August, which brought flooding, mudslides and strong winds. Some communities had only recently regained electricity before Nolo arrived.
Dangerous Surf and Coastal Flooding Continue
Nolo is also generating large swells, dangerous surf and strong rip currents around the Hawaiian Islands.
Those conditions are expected to persist for several more days, creating hazards for swimmers, surfers and anyone near exposed beaches or coastal areas.
Even as the hurricane’s center moves farther away, large waves generated by the storm can continue reaching shore.
Nolo Marks Another Major Hawaiian Weather Event
Nolo is also notable because of its proximity to the Big Island.
According to NOAA’s hurricane database, only one other major hurricane, Category 3 or stronger, has tracked within 150 miles of the Big Island.
That storm was Hurricane Dot in August 1959. Dot later struck Kauai after passing south of the Big Island.
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Nolo’s close approach therefore represents an unusually significant hurricane event for the island.
Hawaii Has Seen Multiple Tropical Systems
Nolo is also the latest in a series of tropical systems to affect Hawaii during the hurricane season.
Hurricane Lala struck in mid-August, with its eyewall passing close to the southern portion of the Big Island. Torrential rain and strong winds caused widespread impacts, including major power outages.
Tropical Storm Moke followed, tracking farther south but still bringing rain and winds from its outer bands. Because the ground remained saturated after Lala, additional rainfall contributed to more flooding.
Then came Hurricane Lowell, which reached Category 5 strength at its peak before weakening ahead of its closest approach to Hawaii. The storm still brought wind, rain and large waves to the western islands.
Now Nolo has added another round of dangerous weather to a state that has already endured repeated tropical impacts.
Although the worst rainfall is moving away from the main islands, residual flooding, mudslides, strong winds and dangerous surf remain possible.
Residents and visitors should continue following local weather warnings, particularly in areas near steep terrain, rivers and exposed coastlines.
Did Hurricane Nolo affect your area of Hawaii? Share what conditions are like where you are and tell us whether your community is still dealing with flooding, strong winds or dangerous surf.
