A Category 2 hurricane is churning just south of Hawaii's Big Island and forecasters say it could strengthen into a major storm this weekend. Here's what you need to know.
Hurricane Nolo is a Category 2 tropical cyclone in the central Pacific that was meandering south of Hawaii's Big Island on Saturday, September 26, according to USA Today, citing National Hurricane Center forecasters.
As of 8 a.m. Hawaii time Saturday, Nolo was centered about 145 miles south of the Big Island's southernmost point, with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph, forecasters said.
Forecasters expect Nolo to advance westward and pick up speed on Sunday before turning north, with the center forecast to remain well south and southwest of the main Hawaiian Islands, the hurricane center said.
Regardless of the exact track, strong and gusty winds are possible across all the Hawaiian Islands through the weekend, the hurricane center said. Hurricane-force winds extend up to 45 miles from the storm's center; tropical-storm-force winds reach up to 140 miles.
The National Weather Service warns of catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding on the Big Island, where storm totals could reach 10 to 20 inches, with maximum amounts of 25 inches. Several inches of rain have already fallen across eastern and southern parts of the island.
Flooding and landslides are a risk as saturated terrain takes on more rain, forecasters said. Residents in high-terrain and low-lying areas should stay alert for warnings.
East and southeast-facing shores of the Big Island, Maui, and Molokai could see 10-to-14-foot breaking waves on Saturday, accompanied by dangerous currents, according to the Surfer report.
A hurricane watch and tropical storm warning remain in effect for Hawaii County, while Maui County is under a tropical storm watch. Conditions can change quickly — follow official advisories.
We will rebuild whatever damage we experience, but I want everyone to shelter carefully with those that they love, said Gov. Josh Green. President Trump approved an emergency declaration Friday authorizing FEMA coordination, and the governor activated hundreds of National Guard members.
Delta Air Lines issued a travel waiver for Honolulu, Kahului, and Kona for flights on September 26-27, and American Airlines issued waivers covering Honolulu, Kahului, Kona, and Lihue, according to TravelPulse. Check your flight status before heading to the airport.
Don't venture out if you don't have to into the dangerous flooding environment, but also high winds. We can have trees and power lines down, said National Hurricane Center director Michael Brennan. Build an emergency kit and shelter in place until conditions improve.
A direct landfall is not currently forecast — the center is expected to stay south of the main islands. But forecasters stress that impacts extend well beyond the storm's center, and tropical storm conditions are already underway.
Follow the National Hurricane Center and Hawaii Emergency Management Agency for official updates. Share this story to help others stay prepared.