Depression now Tropical Storm Nolo, may approach state as a major hurricane
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Tropical Depression Fifteen-E has strengthened and is now Tropical Storm Nolo.
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A Hurricane Watch has been issued for Hawaii County. This means that hurricane conditions are possible within the next 48 hours.
The National Hurricane Center said at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nolo was centered about 310 miles south of South Point, or 500 miles south-southeast. It was moving to the west-northwest at 6 miles per hour with maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour.
The tropical storm is forecast to become a hurricane Thursday and then strengthen further into a major hurricane this weekend.
Nolo’s forward speed will decrease for the next day or so, followed by a sharp turn to the north or north-northeast on Thursday. The current track has it continuing in this direction in Friday, and it it will approach Hawaii Island Friday into Saturday, potentially as a major hurricane.
Potential threats
WIND: Hurricane conditions with winds of 74 miles per hour or stronger are possible on Hawaii Island. Residents and visitors should prepare for life-threatening winds of category 1 or 2 hurricane force, or 74 to 100 miles per hour.
RAIN: Tropical Storm Nolo is forecast to produce rainfall of 15 to 20 inches across Hawaii Island with maximum amounts of 35 inches. This will produce life-threatening and catastrophic flooding, especially in steep terrain. This includes areas on Hawaii island that were already heavily damaged by flooding from Hurricane Lala in August.
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Across the rest of the state, rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches with maximum totals of 6 inches will be possible and could cause localized flooding.
STORM SURGE: A dangerous storm surge and tide will combine will cause normally dry areas along the Hawaii Island coast to be inundated by ocean water. Peak storm surge heights of 1 to 3 feet above ground will be possible during high tides.
Weather Alerts
A Hurricane Watch has been issued for Hawaii County.
A Flood Watch has been issued for the islands of Hawaii and Maui County from noon Wednesday through 6 p.m. Saturday, according to the National Weather Service forecast office in Honolulu.
Prepare now
The National Weather Service and your First Alert Weather Team say you should have effort to protect life and property underway now and to prepare for considerable wind damage.
Preparations should also be underway for heavy rainfall and catastrophic flash flooding.
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