Hawaii braces for Hurricane Nolo, with up to 76 cm of rain expected
Having become a hurricane on Thursday evening, Nolo is expected to brush past the Big Island on Friday and Saturday. Authorities have mobilized the National Guard in response to the risk of catastrophic flooding.
Hawaii is preparing for the arrival of Nolo, which became a hurricane on Thursday, September 24, with sustained winds of 120 km/h. The National Hurricane Center forecasts that the first tropical storm winds will reach the Big Island on Friday, followed by possible cyclone conditions overnight.
The center of Nolo is expected to pass south of the archipelago, but rain bands are extending widely around its eye. The Honolulu weather service anticipates between 38 and 76 cm of rain on windward slopes and the southeastern part of the Big Island. Maui could receive 10 to 20 cm, with localized amounts reaching 38 cm. Sudden flooding and landslides that could become catastrophic are feared.
As of 5:00 pm Thursday in Hawaii, Nolo was located approximately 515 km south of Hilo and was moving north-northeast at 8 km/h. It was expected to strengthen further and become a major hurricane before turning westward. A cyclone watch and a tropical storm warning were in effect for the Big Island, while a tropical storm watch was issued for Maui County.
Governor Josh Green has declared a state of emergency. More than 230 National Guard members have been mobilized, and schools have closed for the remainder of the week, according to the Associated Press.
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