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Hurricane Nolo Intensifies to Category 3 Near Hawaii

By Drooid · Sep 25, 2026, 2:43 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Nolo Threatens Hawaii

The National Hurricane Center says Hurricane Nolo will become Category 3 near Hawaii’s Big Island by Saturday.
Nolo’s winds are 80 mph, triggering a Hurricane Watch for Hawaii County.
Rainfall forecasts show 15–20 inches island-wide, with peaks up to 35 inches.
NWS Honolulu warns 1–3 ft storm surge could cause flooding and beach erosion.
Hawaii County opened five shelters; The Food Basket offers free produce as residents stock supplies.

Summary

Hurricane Polo Intensifies

Hurricane Nolo intensified to Category 5 with 180 mph winds, the second-most intense eastern Pacific hurricane on record.
Mexican authorities deployed 15,000 security personnel along the Pacific coast as a preventive measure.
Schools were suspended in Guerrero and Michoacán while shelters opened for at-risk residents.
Restaurant owner Alicia Contreras reported 15-foot waves destroying her beachfront business in Lazaro Cárdenas.
The storm’s moisture pushed monsoonal rains into New Mexico, causing heavy inland precipitation.

History

Historical Context

In 1992, Hurricane Iniki struck Kauai, Hawaii, with 145 mph winds, inflicting $3 billion in damage and six fatalities across the island. Governor John Waihee declared a state of emergency, mobilizing 2,000 National Guard troops and securing $1 billion federal aid through FEMA. Similarly, Hurricane Nolo’s Category 5 intensity threatens Hawaii County’s Big Island and Mexico’s Pacific coast, prompting shelters and deployment of 15,000 security personnel. These parallels highlight the region’s chronic storm vulnerability, urging stronger forecasting, resilient infrastructure, and coordinated response to curb future disaster losses.

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Nolo Threatens Hawaii

The National Hurricane Center says Hurricane Nolo will become Category 3 near Hawaii’s Big Island by Saturday.
Nolo’s winds are 80 mph, triggering a Hurricane Watch for Hawaii County.
Rainfall forecasts show 15–20 inches island-wide, with peaks up to 35 inches.
NWS Honolulu warns 1–3 ft storm surge could cause flooding and beach erosion.
Hawaii County opened five shelters; The Food Basket offers free produce as residents stock supplies.

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