Hurricane Nolo brings strong winds and rough surf to Oahu

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hurricane Nolo is making its presence felt across Oahu, with strong winds and rough surf creating hazardous conditions as the storm moves west.

Read more Evacuation order issued for Olowalu Village due to brush fire

From Manoa Valley to Waikiki and Diamond Head, gusty winds were noticeable Saturday as residents and visitors experienced changing conditions.

At Diamond Head lookout, fewer surfers were in the water as winds picked up and waves grew stronger.

“It’s quiet, not as many surfers. The surf is big, the currents look strong, it’s windy,” said Keoni Kino, co-founder of the nonprofit Kuilei Cliffs.

Diamond Head goer Don Hyeon said the conditions were becoming more dangerous for people in the water.

“As you can see, the waves are way more powerful,” Hyeon said.

He said the combination of strong winds and rough surf could make conditions dangerous even for experienced surfers.

“Even for today, having a wind at 35 to feel like a 40 mile, I wouldn’t even recommend a good rider either. It’s kind of dangerous,” Hyeon said.

Read more Flooding prompts several road closures around

At Kuilei Cliffs, volunteers were also preparing for the possibility of stronger winds by checking trees and other potential hazards.

Kino said the nonprofit has seen trees come down during previous storms and is taking steps to reduce the risk of damage.

“We have seen it in the last couple storms, right? We’ve lost a few trees. And so, we know what’s going to happen,” Kino said.

A Wind Advisory remains in effect for Oahu.

A High Surf Advisory is also in effect for east-facing shores of all islands, with hazardous surf expected to continue through Saturday night before gradually easing late Sunday into early next week as Nolo moves west.

Hyeon said the changing conditions are a reminder that residents should continue to pay attention as storms approach Hawaii.

“And I hope that we don’t have more. But especially Hawaii is in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. You never know what’s going to happen,” Hyeon said.

Read more First Alert Forecast: Hurricane Nolo turns to the west