UPDATE: 5:30 p.m.<\/p>\n
Hurricane Nolo was moving slowly north this afternoon toward Hawaii island, which is already seeing showers from the storm\u2019s outer bands of rain.<\/p>\n
At 5 p.m., Nolo was maintaining its Category 2 strength with 105 mph maximum sustained winds and was centered 145 miles south of South Point and 350 miles south-southeast of Honolulu. It was moving north at a 3 mph, \u201cand this general motion with a decrease in forward speed is expected through tonight,\u201d according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.<\/p>\n
Forecasters said that Nolo will stall then turn west in the next 12 hours. \u201cA turn toward the west with an increase in forward speed is forecast Saturday and Sunday. On the forecast track, the center of Nolo will remain well south of the main Hawaiian islands,\u201d they said.<\/p>\n
Heavy rain is still possible for Hawaii island but the maximum estimate is now 16 inches in isolated areas, down more than half from the 35-inch estimate on Thursday.<\/p>\n
Hurricane-force winds of 74 mph or more extend up to 45 miles from the center and tropical storm-force winds of 39 mph or more extend up to 140 miles.<\/p>\n
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Nolo is forecast to strengthen into a major hurricane this weekend, and could further intensify early next week as it moves west several hundred miles south of the smaller islands.<\/p>\n
By early Sunday, Nolo is expected to have 115 mph winds and still be moving west roughly 300 miles south of Oahu, according to CPHC. It will then turn to the northwest and peak as a Category 4 storm with 140 mph winds on Monday. By Tuesday, it is expected to have weakened to a Category 2 storm with 105 mph as it moves north well over 400 miles west of Kauai.<\/p>\n
The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued the following warnings, watches and advisories for the state as Nolo moves just south of Hawaii island:<\/p>\n
>> A hurricane watch and tropical storm warning for Hawaii island.<\/p>\n
>> A tropical storm watch Maui County.<\/p>\n
>> A flood watch for Big Island and Maui County.<\/p>\n
>> And a wind advisory for Oahu and Kauai County from 6 a.m. Saturday to 6 p.m. Sunday. The western islands will see east winds of 25 to 35 mph and gusts to 55 mph, NWS said.<\/p>\n
A high surf advisory is also in effect for east and southeast shores of Molokai, Maui and Hawaii island through Sunday, and for east shores of Kauai and Oahu through Sunday.<\/p>\n
\u201cNolo is producing a moderate swell that is causing building surf along east and southeast facing shores of the Big Island, Maui, and Molokai,\u201d the advisory said. \u201cStrengthening trades then cause building surf along east-facing shorelines beginning tonight and continuing through Sunday.\u201d Wave heights of 8 to 12 feet are expected.<\/p>\n
CPHC continues to warn the public of the following potential impacts from Nolo:<\/p>\n
>> Wind: Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin by tonight in the warning area, with hurricane conditions possible by early Saturday, particularly in areas of steep terrain. Tropical storm conditions are possible in the tropical storm watch area beginning on Saturday. Regardless of the exact track of Nolo, strong and gusty winds are possible for all of the Hawaiian islands through the weekend.<\/p>\n
>> Rain: For the eastern and southern portions of the Big Island, Nolo will produce rainfall totals of 8 to 12 inches with maximum amounts of 16 inches. This rainfall could produce significant, life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain. For the western portions of the Big Island, rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches with maximum amounts of 6 inches are expected. For eastern Maui, rainfall totals of 4 to 6 inches with maximum amounts of 8 inches are expected. Life-threatening flooding and mudslides are possible, especially in areas of high terrain. Across the remainder of the Hawaiian islands, maximum rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches are expected.<\/p>\n
>> 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 1 to 3 feet on Hawaii island if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide. The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast and 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.<\/p>\n
>> Surf: Swells generated by Nolo are expected to reach exposed east and south shores of the Big Island today, spreading westward and building through the weekend. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.<\/p>\n
FEMA nnounced today that President Donald Trump has approved federal disaster assistance for Hawaii ahead of possible life-threatening floods, mudslides and surf from Hurricane Nolo.<\/p>\n
Hawaii County has opened nine emergency shelters and Maui County has shelters on standby if needed.<\/p>\n
The National Hurricane Center in Miami, meanwhile, is also monitoring two major hurricanes in the East Pacific that are no threat to Hawaii. Hurricane Polo, a massive Category 5 cyclone with 175 mph maximum sustained winds continued moving just off the coast of Mexico. It is forecast to weaken to a Category 2 storm when it turns east on Monday when it makes landfall in Baja California.<\/p>\n
Further west in the East Pacific, Hurricane Odalys is a Category 3 storm with 120 mph sustained winds and moving north-northeast. It expected to stay over the open ocean, far from land, and dissipate next week.<\/p>\n
2:30 p.m.<\/p>\n
Hurricane Nolo continued to maintain its intensity today as it edged closer to the Big Island.<\/p>\n
At 2 p.m., Nolo was packing maximum sustained winds of 105 mph and was centered about 155 miles south of South Point and 350 miles south-southeast of Honolulu, moving north-northeast at 5 mph, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Hurricane-force winds extended outward up to 45 miles from Nolo\u2019s center, while tropical-storm-force winds reached outward up to 140 miles.<\/p>\n
The storm is still forecast to turn toward the west overnight and accelerate through the weekend, keeping its center well south of the main islands.<\/p>\n
The National Weather Service issued a high surf advisory for east-facing shores of Kauai County and Oahu from 6 p.m. today through 6 p.m. Sunday as strengthening tradewinds are expected to build surf. A wind advisory is in effect for Niihau, Kauai and Oahu from 6 a.m. Saturday through 6 p.m. Sunday. A small craft advisory remains in effect for specified Kauai and Oahu waters through 6 p.m. Saturday, followed by a gale watch.<\/p>\n
The high surf advisory for east- and southeast-facing shores of the Big Island, Maui and Molokai has been extended through 6 p.m. Sunday. Surf is forecast to build from 8 to 12 feet today to 10 to 14 feet Saturday.<\/p>\n
Forecasters said that a high wind watch for Oahu \u201cremains a possibility\u201d for Saturday and Saturday night, though none has been issued as of this update.<\/p>\n
The hurricane watch and tropical storm warning remain in effect for Hawaii County, while Maui County remains under a tropical storm watch. A flood watch covering the Big Island, Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe remains in effect through Saturday afternoon.<\/p>\n
Nolo is forecast to strengthen into a major hurricane this weekend and could intensify further early next week, according to the CPHC.<\/p>\n
11 a.m.<\/p>\n
Although Hurricane Nolo has held steady in intensity since mid-morning, forecasters raised their outlook for how strong the storm could ultimately become, now projecting Nolo could reach 145 mph maximum sustained winds, Category 4 strength, by early Monday before weakening.<\/p>\n
At 11 a.m., Nolo was centered about 175 miles south of South Point and 370 miles south-southeast of Honolulu, packing maximum sustained winds of 105 mph and moving north-northeast at 5 mph, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.<\/p>\n
Forecasters said Nolo\u2019s wind field has grown, with tropical-storm-force winds of 39 mph or more extending up to 140 miles from the center, up from 115 miles earlier today. Hurricane-force winds of 74 mph or more extend up to 45 miles from Nolo\u2019s center.<\/p>\n
The storm\u2019s track has also come into slightly sharper focus. Nolo is expected to slow and begin drifting west tonight, then accelerate westward Saturday and Sunday as a building ridge north of the islands takes over as the main steering influence, before likely turning north-northwest early next week, according to the National Weather Service.<\/p>\n
By early Monday, when it is projected to reach its peak strength, Nolo is expected to be centered well over 300 miles southwest of Honolulu.<\/p>\n
CPHC forecasters cautioned that Nolo could end up even stronger than the official forecast within the next two to three days, given the current upper-level wind pattern, though weakening is still expected by days four and five. By Tuesday, Nolo is forecast to have 110 mph sustained winds and be passing about 300 miles west of Lihue as it heads north.<\/p>\n
No watches or warnings changed with the 11 a.m. advisory, but the National Weather Service separately issued a gale watch for waters around Kauai and Oahu, in effect from Saturday evening through Sunday afternoon, on top of the small craft advisory already in place for those waters.<\/p>\n
Hawaii island remains under a hurricane watch and tropical storm warning; Maui County is under a tropical storm watch; and a flood watch covers both the Big Island and Maui County.<\/p>\n
Forecasters reiterated that the time to finish preparations for heavy rain and flooding on the Big Island \u201cis now,\u201d as rain is expected to increase in both coverage and intensity later today, with periods of heavy rain continuing across the Big Island and Maui through the weekend.<\/p>\n
9:15 a.m.<\/p>\n
A wind advisory has been posted for Niihau, Kauai and Oahu as Hurricane Nolo continues its march northward south of the Big Island.<\/p>\n
The National Weather Service said strong east winds of 25 to 35 mph with localized gusts up to 50 mph are expected across the western islands. The advisory takes effect from 6 a.m. Saturday through 6 p.m. Sunday.<\/p>\n
Forecasters warn that gusty winds could knock down tree branches, damage shingles, blow away unsecured tents or awnings and create difficult driving conditions, particularly for high-profile vehicles.<\/p>\n
Residents in affected areas are urged to secure outdoor items, watch for falling debris and prepare for potential localized power outages.<\/p>\n
9 a.m.<\/p>\n
Hurricane Nolo strengthened into a Category 2 storm this morning, with maximum sustained winds increasing to 105 mph, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.<\/p>\n
Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft data showed Nolo\u2019s winds had increased from 85 mph in the previous advisory. At 8:35 a.m., the storm was centered about 185 miles south of South Point and 380 miles south-southeast of Honolulu, moving north-northeast at 5 mph.<\/p>\n
EARLIER COVERAGE<\/p>\n
Hurricane Nolo grew stronger overnight as it continued its march toward the Big Island, where it is expected to bring damaging winds, dangerous surf and life-threatening flooding through the weekend.<\/p>\n
At 5 a.m., Nolo was packing maximum sustained winds of 85 mph and centered about 210 miles south of South Point and 400 miles south-southeast of Honolulu. It was moving north-northeast at 5 mph. Hurricane-force winds extend up to 45 miles from Nolo\u2019s center and tropical-storm-force winds extend out to 115 miles, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.<\/p>\n
\u201cA turn toward the west-northwest and west with an increase in forward speed is forecast Saturday and Sunday,\u201d forecasters said. \u201cOn the forecast track, the center of Nolo will remain well south of the main Hawaiian Islands.\u201d<\/p>\n
A hurricane watch and tropical storm warning remain in effect for Hawaii County. A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible within 24 to 36 hours, while a tropical storm warning means tropical storm conditions are possible within 24 to 36 hours.<\/p>\n
A tropical storm watch remains in effect for Maui County, where tropical storm conditions are possible beginning Saturday.<\/p>\n
The Big Island is expected to see tropical storm conditions beginning tonight, with hurricane conditions possible by early Saturday, particularly in areas of steep terrain, according to the CPHC. Nolo is forecast to strengthen further and become a major hurricane this weekend.<\/p>\n
Heavy rainfall from Hurricane Nolo will bring a threat of flash flooding to the eastern end of the state through Saturday afternoon. A flood watch remains in effect for the Big Island, Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe.<\/p>\n
National Weather Service forecasters warn that deep moisture on the north side of the system is most likely to drench windward and southeast Big Island along with windward Maui, where overflowing streams, road closures and landslides in steep terrain are possible.<\/p>\n
Up to 10 to 15 inches of rain is forecast for the eastern and southern portions of the Big Island, with isolated amounts reaching 25 inches, the CPHC said. Western portions of the island could receive 2 to 4 inches, with localized amounts up to 8 inches.<\/p>\n
The rainfall could cause catastrophic, life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in steep terrain, the NWS said.<\/p>\n
Maui is forecast to receive 4 to 6 inches of rain, with isolated amounts up to 10 inches. The rest of the state could see 1 to 3 inches, with isolated amounts up to 6 inches and localized flooding possible.<\/p>\n
The CPHC urged residents to complete preparations for heavy rain and flooding now and to follow instructions from local officials, including evacuation orders.<\/p>\n
Nolo is also expected to bring dangerous coastal conditions. A storm surge \u2014 an abnormal rise in seawater pushed toward shore by a storm \u2014 could raise water levels 1 to 3 feet above ground along parts of the Big Island\u2019s coast, particularly if the surge coincides with high tide.<\/p>\n
Swells generated by Nolo are expected to reach exposed east- and south-facing shores of the Big Island today, spreading westward and building through the weekend. The waves could create life-threatening surf and strong rip currents.<\/p>\n
A high surf advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m. Saturday for east and southeast-facing shores of the Big Island, Maui and Molokai. Large breaking waves produced by a moderate south swell from Hurricane Nolo will reach 8 to 12 feet today before building to 10 to 14 feet on Saturday, creating powerful currents, strong breaking waves and hazardous navigation in channel entrances, the NWS said.<\/p>\n
The National Weather Service also has a hurricane warning in effect for offshore waters beyond 40 nautical miles from the main Hawaiian Islands, extending out to 240 nautical miles. A small craft advisory remains in effect for waters around Kauai and Oahu, where strong winds and high seas are expected.<\/p>\n
For Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Molokai and Lanai, today\u2019s forecast calls for mostly cloudy and windy conditions, with scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms in windward and mauka areas. Leeward areas also could see showers and thunderstorms, with locally heavy rainfall possible. Highs will range from 84 to 89 degrees, with northeast winds of 20 to 35 mph and gusts up to 55 mph.<\/p>\n
On the Big Island, conditions are expected to be very windy, with occasional showers and isolated thunderstorms in windward areas. Leeward areas can expect isolated morning showers and thunderstorms through the day, followed by scattered showers in the afternoon. Locally heavy rain is possible. Highs will range from 84 to 89 degrees, with east winds of 30 to 45 mph and gusts up to 65 mph.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"UPDATE: 5:30 p.m. Hurricane Nolo was moving slowly north this afternoon toward Hawaii island, which is already seeing…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":860978,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[4,450,6813,451,3,452,453],"class_list":["post-860977","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-breaking-news","tag-breaking-news","tag-breakingnews","tag-editors","tag-headlines","tag-news","tag-top-stories","tag-topstories"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/860977","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=860977"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/860977\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/860978"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=860977"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=860977"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=860977"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}