Hurricane Watch Issued for Hawaii as Nolo Strengthens
Tropical Storm Nolo has intensified into a hurricane in the Pacific Ocean, prompting a hurricane watch for Hawaii’s Big Island. The National Hurricane Center predicts Nolo will become a major hurricane by the weekend, with sustained winds of at least 111 mph. The storm is moving north at 2 mph and is expected to approach the Big Island on Friday and Saturday before making a sharp westward turn. Heavy rainfall of 15 to 20 inches is forecast for the Big Island, with localized areas potentially receiving up to 35 inches. Maui County is under a tropical storm watch, with rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches expected. The storm poses a significant risk of catastrophic flooding and mudslides, particularly in steep terrain.