Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Hurricane Watch Issued for Hawaii’s Big Island as Nolo Strengthens
Tropical Storm Nolo is moving toward Hawaii’s Big Island.
Officials have issued a hurricane watch because the storm could become much stronger.
Nolo may come close to the island early Saturday.
Heavy rain could cause dangerous floods and landslides.
Some parts of the Big Island could receive up to 20 inches of rain.
Maui and several other islands also have flood watches.
Strong winds and a storm surge may affect the Big Island.
Another powerful hurricane, Polo, is also bringing rain to Mexico.
A hurricane watch is in effect for Hawaii’s Big Island as Tropical Storm Nolo approaches.
Nolo had top winds of 40 mph and was 500 miles south of Honolulu.
The storm could rapidly intensify over warm waters and approach the Big Island early Saturday.
Up to 20 inches of rain, isolated totals of 35 inches, and hurricane-force winds are possible on the Big Island.
Hurricane Polo, a Category 4 storm, is bringing heavy rain and gusty winds to Mexico’s west coast.
- Who
- Tropical Storm Nolo, Hawaii emergency officials, and the U.S. National Hurricane Center.
- What
- A hurricane watch and several flood watches have been issued as Nolo approaches Hawaii and may rapidly intensify.
- When
- Heavy rain is expected as early as Thursday and Friday, with Nolo potentially nearing the Big Island early Saturday.
- Where
- Hawaii’s Big Island, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Kahoolawe, and surrounding waters; Hurricane Polo is affecting Mexico’s west coast.
- Why
- Nolo is strengthening over unusually warm water, creating risks of hurricane-force winds, flooding, landslides, and storm surge.
- Nolo’s current strength
- Top winds of 40 mph; the storm was 500 miles south of Honolulu.
- Main watch
- A hurricane watch has been issued for Hawaii’s Big Island.
- Flood watches
- Flood watches cover the Big Island, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe through Saturday.
- Big Island rainfall
- Up to 20 inches is expected, with isolated areas potentially receiving 35 inches.
- Wind and surge risk
- Hurricane-force winds of at least 74 mph and a storm surge of up to 3 feet are possible on the Big Island.
- Polo’s strength
- Hurricane Polo has top winds of 145 mph and is classified as Category 4.
- Mexico rainfall
- Up to 6 inches of rain may fall in Guerrero, with flooding and mudslides possible.