Nolo strengthens into category 2 hurricane, catastrophic rainfall expected for Hawaii Island
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hurricane Nolo is moving toward the north-northeast near 5 mph, and this general motion with a decrease in forward speed is expected through Friday night.
The National Hurricane Center said at 8:35 a.m. Friday, Hurricane Nolo’s maximum sustained winds increased to 105 miles per hour. Hurricane force winds extend up to 40 miles from the center, while tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 105 miles.
Nolo was centered about 185 miles south of South Point, or 380 miles south-southeast of Honolulu. The hurricane is moving slowly to the north-northeast at 5 miles per hour.
A turn toward the west-northwest and west with an increase in forward speed is forecast Saturday and Sunday. On the forecast track, the center of Nolo will remain well south of the main Hawaiian Islands.
Nolo will steadily and then rapidly intensify into a major category 3 hurricane by this weekend.
A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Hawaii County as Tropical Storm Nolo continues to strengthen to the south of Hawaii Island.
A Tropical Storm Watch has also been issued for the islands of Maui County. A Hurricane Watch remains in effect for Hawaii County. This means that hurricane conditions are possible within the next 48 hours.
The tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected in the warning area within 36 hours, while the tropical storm watch means tropical storm conditions are possible within the next 48 hours.
The hurricane is moving into an area with very warm sea surface temperatures and abundant moisture which will cause rapid intensification.
The latest forecast track has Nolo making the sharp left turn further south of Hawaii Island, but heavy rainfall and catastrophic flooding remains possible.
Potential threats
WIND: Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin by Friday night in the warning area, with hurricane conditions possible by early Saturday, particularly in areas of steep terrain.
Tropical storm conditions are possible in the tropical storm watcharea beginning on Saturday.
RAIN: For the eastern and southern portions of the Big Island,Nolo will produce rainfall totals of 10 to 15 inches with maximum amounts of 25 inches. This rainfall could produce catastrophiclife-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.
For the western portions of the Big Island, rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches with maximum amounts of 8 inches are expected.
For Maui, rainfall totals of 4 to 6 inches with maximum amounts of 10 inches are expected. Life-threatening flooding and mudslides are possible, especially in areas of high terrain.
Across the remainder of the Hawaiian Islands, rainfall totals of 1to 3 inches with isolated maximum amounts of 6 inches are expectedwith isolated flooding possible.
STORM SURGE: The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. The water could reach the following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide: Hawaii County 1 to 3 ft.
Weather Alerts
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Hawaii County.
A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Hawaii County.
A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Maui County, including the islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe.
A Flood Watch remains in effect for the islands of Hawaii and Maui County through 6 p.m. Saturday.
A High Surf Advisory has been issued for the east shores of Molokai and Maui and the east and southeast shores of Hawaii Island.
Prepare now
The National Hurricane Center says now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and property in accordance with your emergency plan:
- Make sure you are in a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding. If you are relocating to safe shelter, leave as early as possible. Allow extra time to reach your destination. Many roads and bridges will be closed once strong winds arrive. Check the latest weather forecast before departing and drive with caution.
- If you’re heading to a community shelter, be familiar with the shelter rules before arrival, especially if you have special needs or have pets. Take essential items with you from your Emergency Supplies Kit.
- Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury or loss of life. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any orders that are issued.
- Remember, during the storm 9 1 1 Emergency Services may not be able to immediately respond if conditions are unsafe. This should be a big factor in your decision making.
- Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly ventilated area.
- It is important to remain calm, informed, and focused during an emergency. Be patient and helpful with those you encounter.
- If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in which you are staying. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay attention for instructions from local authorities.
- Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded roadway. Remember, turn around don’t drown!
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