HILO, Hawaii – Hurricane Nolo, a powerful storm, has been making headlines as it moves away from the Hawaiian Islands. Although the storm is now 260 miles southwest of Hawaii’s southernmost point, the islands are still feeling its effects, including heavy rain and strong winds.
As of early Sunday, Nolo was moving at about 12 mph (19 kph) away from the Big Island, but its maximum sustained winds were reported to be near 105 mph (165 kph). The Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency has issued high wind warnings and advisories for parts of the island, reminding residents to stay safe.
Meteorologists expect Nolo to strengthen as it continues on its path towards the northwest. While experts from the National Hurricane Center assure that the storm’s center will remain well south and southwest of the Hawaiian Islands, they warn that its outer bands could bring life-threatening flooding and mudslides. Some areas on the Big Island could receive up to 20 inches (50 centimeters) of rain!
“Don’t venture out if you don’t have to,” advised Michael Brennan, director of the National Hurricane Center, emphasizing the dangers of flooding and high winds. With fallen trees and downed power lines a possibility, safety is a top priority.
On Saturday, heavy rain caused partial closures of a major highway linking Kailua-Kona and Hilo. In Naalehu, National Guard members assisted locals navigating flooded streets, as over 120 guards were activated on the Big Island in response to an emergency proclamation issued by the governor.
Residents are still recovering from the damages caused by Hurricane Lala, which had previously inflicted heavy rain and winds strong enough to displace about 100 homes. Many people are now bracing for another storm.
Despite the warnings, some locals are trying to maintain a sense of normalcy. At Carlsmith Beach Park in Hilo, a few beachgoers were spotted despite the closed signs. Andrea Gill, who went for a swim, expressed her hope that the impact of Nolo would be minimal. “We’re used to lots of rain. We’re not used to wind,” she noted, reflecting the common sentiment among residents.
In response to the storm, President Donald Trump recently approved an emergency declaration, allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide necessary support and resources.
Meanwhile, Hawaiian Electric has mobilized crews to restore power across various islands after recent storms, ensuring that residents remain safe and connected.
This hurricane season has been unusually active, a trend linked to El Niño, which often leads to more tropical storms and hurricanes in the Pacific, according to Bob Oravec, a lead forecaster at the National Weather Service.
On another front, Hurricane Polo is making its way toward Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, where it has been classified as a dangerous Category 3 hurricane with winds of 125 mph (205 kph). Local authorities are preparing for landfall as Polo is expected to hit on Monday.
As communities brace for the storm, local governments are preparing humanitarian aid and shelters to ensure safety for residents, especially in vulnerable areas.
Stay tuned for updates, and remember: safety first during hurricane season!
