Full Breakdown
Hurricane Nolo Skirts Hawaii: Strong Winds, High Surf and Flood Threats
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Hurricane Nolo’s Immediate Threat
Hurricane Nolo, a Category 2 system with 105 mph sustained winds, was about 260 miles southwest of Hawaii’s southernmost point, moving west at 12 mph. Hurricane-force winds extended 35 miles from the center, with tropical-storm-force winds out to 150 miles. Forecasters warned flash flooding and mudslides on the Big Island’s steep southeastern terrain, where rainfall totals of up to 35 inches were projected. High-wind warnings covered Maui, the Big Island, Molokai and Lanai; a wind advisory covered Oahu and Kauai, and a high-surf advisory applied to most islands.
Background & Context
Nolo is the third tropical system to threaten Hawaii within six weeks, following Hurricanes Lala and Lowell. The active Pacific season has been linked to a strong El Niño, which raises sea-surface temperatures and reduces wind shear, fostering rapid intensification.
Data & Statistics
- Wind speeds: 105 mph sustained; gusts up to 75 mph on Oahu and Maui.
- Rainfall forecasts: 15–35 inches for the Big Island, 4–8 inches on Maui.
- Power outages: ~12,370 customers without power in West Maui and Upcountry, ~3,900 on Oahu.
- National Guard activation: Over 120 guard members deployed on the Big Island, part of roughly 400 statewide.
- Road impacts: Highway 11 closed in multiple sections on the Big Island; Highway 250 (Kohala Mountain Road) remained shut.
- Surf: Waves of 8–12 feet expected on east-facing shores.
Official Statements & Responses
President Donald Trump approved a federal emergency declaration, authorizing FEMA assistance. Governor Josh Green activated over 230 National Guard members and ordered the closure of public schools and state offices on the Big Island and Maui. Hawaiian Electric said crews who restored power after Hurricane Lowell would be redeployed to Oahu, Maui and the Big Island. The National Weather Service in Honolulu warned that high pressure to the north would keep conditions dry but strong gusts would persist, especially over west Maui and leeward Kohala.
On-the-Ground Reports
Residents in Hilo gathered sand and gravel at a municipal center to fill sandbags, while volunteers from CORE built berms and moved debris ahead of the rain. Several motorists were stranded on flooded streets near Naalehu until National Guard personnel assisted them. On Oahu, beachgoers noted unusually large surf and strong currents, prompting swimmer warnings.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Rainfall projections varied: some sources cited a maximum of 35 inches, others 20 inches, with later updates reducing the estimate to 15 inches for the Big Island. Wind-speed classifications also differed, with a few reports labeling Nolo a Category 1 hurricane as it moved away, while earlier bulletins maintained Category 2 status. No definitive post-storm damage assessments were available at the time of reporting.
What’s Next
Forecasters expect Nolo to turn northwest later tonight and to approach the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument early next week, remaining well south of the main islands. The storm is projected to strengthen into a major hurricane before weakening as it moves farther west. Emergency managers will continue to monitor wind and surf advisories, and FEMA assistance is slated to begin once the federal declaration is activated. Residents are urged to maintain preparedness kits and heed shelter directives through the weekend.