The storm is forecast to strengthen south of the islands over the weekend, bringing up to 20 inches of rain to parts of the Big Island.
Flooding threats in Hawaii
Rain began falling Saturday as Hurricane Nolo moved south of Hawaii, bringing threats of flash flooding, high winds and extreme surf to islands already recovering from recent storms.
The storm’s center sat about 160 miles south of Hawaii’s southernmost point on Saturday, packing maximum sustained winds of 90 mph. Forecasters expected Nolo to strengthen into a major hurricane over the weekend while tracking west. Although the center wasn’t projected to make direct landfall, forecasters warned that parts of the Big Island could receive up to 20 inches of rain, raising the risk of life-threatening floods and mudslides.
Michael Brennan, director of the National Hurricane Center, warned people to stay indoors. “Don’t venture out if you don’t have to into the dangerous flooding environment, but also high winds. We can have trees and power lines down,” Brennan said.
State response and recovery efforts
President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration for Hawaii on Friday, authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate relief and provide funding. Hawaii’s governor also declared an emergency, activating hundreds of Hawaii National Guard personnel.
Local agencies and utilities took steps across the islands. Hawaii County officials advised residents in flood zones to seek shelter, while Hawaiian Electric crews returned from repair work on Kauai to Oahu, Maui and the Big Island. Humanitarian group CORE flew camp stoves, hygiene supplies and other cargo to a Big Island distribution hub that has remained open since Hurricane Lala destroyed roughly 100 homes in August.
Hurricane Polo tracks toward Mexico
Farther east in the Pacific, Hurricane Polo moved toward Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph. Forecasters expected the Category 4 storm to weaken before reaching land on Monday.
The projected path runs toward San Juanico, a coastal fishing village that deals with regular power outages and fuel shortages. Gloriely Robles Meza, a local hotel manager, said the town hasn’t faced such a worrying event in years. Community members plan to use the local elementary school as a shelter, though residents worry that washed-out roads could isolate the town from the closest clinic, located 80 minutes away in Ciudad Constitucion.
