Tropical activity ramps up: More West Coast swells and Hawaiian heavy rain possible
About two-thirds of the way through hurricane season, the Atlantic has yet to record a hurricane. Meanwhile in the Pacific, the season remains extremely active, with eight hurricanes so far. Two are currently active and a third is developing.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
About two-thirds of the way through hurricane season, the Atlantic has yet to record a hurricane.
Meanwhile in the Pacific, the season remains extremely active, with eight hurricanes so far.
Two are now active and a third is developing.
Hurricane Polo and Hurricane Odalys
Hurricane Polo briefly intensified into a powerful Category 5 hurricane and is now a Category 4. The storm is forecast to track north parallel to Mexico’s coastline and pass dangerously close to Baja California, although landfall is not currently expected.
Polo could interact with Category 1 Hurricane Odalys as the systems move westward over the Pacific. Their moisture will barely impact the West Coast, but Southern California could experience increased swells, dangerous rip currents and possible coastal erosion again.
Northern California is not expected to see tropical impacts.
Tropical Storm Nolo
However, people planning to visit Hawaii should monitor the forecast closely as Tropical Storm Nolo strengthens south of the islands.
The system originally formed in the eastern Pacific more than a week ago before weakening over cooler water. It strengthened to a tropical storm Wednesday afternoon and is now forecast to grow into a Category 3 hurricane as it approaches the Big Island this week.
Current forecasts keep the storm’s center offshore before it turns west and moves away from Hawaii. Even without a direct landfall, the Big Island and Maui’s southern shore could experience heavy rain, strong winds, storm surge, large swells and potentially life-threatening landslides through the weekend.
Tropical Storm Nolo is the fifth tropical system to impact the islands this season. Residents and visitors should continue monitoring official forecasts as the storm develops.
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