Hurricane Nolo Strengthens as Fourth Major Hurricane Threatens Hawaii with Severe Flooding
Hurricane Nolo strengthened as it approached Hawaii, expected to become a Category 3 hurricane and bringing the strongest Big Island impact from a hurricane in 67 years with widespread flooding and wind threats.
Storm Intensification
Hurricane Nolo strengthens and is expected to become Category 3 Sunday, making it the strongest Big Island impact from a hurricane in 67 years. This system will become the fourth to at least graze Hawaii, bringing flooding and winds to most of the state.
Sequential Hurricane Impacts
Hurricane Lala occurred in mid-August, whose eyewall grazed the southern end of the Big Island with torrential rain and gusty winds that caused power outages to skyrocket. Tropical Storm Moke tracked farther south than Lala but still hit parts of the Big Island with rain and winds from its outer bands, with impacts less significant but flooding still occurring because the ground was still saturated from Lala. Hurricane Lowell, a powerful hurricane that reached Category 5 strength at its peak, weakened before making its closest pass but slammed the western islands with wind, rain and waves.
Current Threat Assessment
The approach of Hurricane Nolo represents an unprecedented threat to Hawaii following the succession of three major storms within a two-month period. The saturation of soil from previous storms increases the risk of severe landslides and flooding. Infrastructure already strained by recent hurricane impacts faces additional stress, and emergency response resources are being stretched to capacity.
Forecast and Preparations
Residents and authorities are preparing for the strongest hurricane impact on the Big Island in nearly seven decades. The combination of Nolo's strengthening trajectory, the full moon amplifying tidal effects, and the vulnerability of saturated terrain creates an exceptionally dangerous situation. Emergency management agencies have activated disaster response protocols.