Tropical Storm Nolo forms, Hurricane Watch issued for Hawaiʻi County

Tropical Storm Nolo has formed in the Central Pacific, located about 310 miles S of South Point on Hawaiʻi Island, according to the National Weather Service. The system’s development has prompted the issuance of a Hurricane Watch for Hawaiʻi County, which is typically issued 48 hours ahead of anticipated tropical-storm-force winds.

Nolo is very slow moving, advancing toward the WNW at 6 mph, with 40 mph sustained winds, the NWS reports. A sharp turn to the north and north-northeast is expected on Thursday, with this motion continuing through the end of the week. On the forecast track, the system is expected to approach the Big Island of Hawaii on Friday and Saturday, according to the NWS forecast.

Nolo is forecast to become a hurricane on Thursday and could become a major hurricane by the weekend, according to the National Hurricane Center. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles from the center.

Interests elsewhere in the Hawaiian Islands should closely monitor the progress of this system.

WIND: Hurricane conditions are possible in the watch area starting as early as late Friday.

RAINFALL: Tropical Storm Nolo will produce rainfall totals of 15 to 20 inches across the Big Island with maximum amounts of 35 inches. This rainfall may produce catastrophic life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain. Rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches with maximum amounts of 20 inches expected across Maui. Life-threatening flooding and mudslides possible across Maui, especially in areas of high terrain, Across the remainder of the Hawaiian Islands, rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches with maximum amounts of 6 inches are expected with isolated flooding possible.

STORM SURGE: The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. The water could reach the following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide: Hawaii County (1 to 3 ft).

The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast near and to the right of the landfall location, where the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves. Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances. For information specific to your area, please see products issued by your local National Weather Service forecast office.

SURF: Swells generated by Nolo are expected to reach the east and south-facing shores of the Big Island on Friday, spreading westward and building through the weekend. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

*Maui Now’s Wendy Osher contributed to this report.