Hawaii’s Big Island faces potential catastrophic flooding as Hurricane Nolo strengthens into what forecasters warn could become a major hurricane by Saturday, with up to three feet of rain expected to trigger life-threatening flash floods and mudslides across steep terrain.

Storm Intensifies as Hawaii Braces for Impact

The National Hurricane Center reported Friday morning that Nolo packed maximum sustained winds of 85 miles per hour while positioned hundreds of miles south of the Hawaiian Islands. Hurricane-force winds extended outward 40 miles from the storm’s center, while tropical-storm-force winds reached 105 miles out. Despite expectations that Nolo’s core will remain well south of the main islands, its massive wind field and moisture will pummel Hawaii County with dangerous conditions beginning Friday night.

Officials issued a hurricane watch for Hawaii County alongside an active tropical storm warning. Maui County remains under a tropical storm watch. The hurricane center projects tropical storm conditions to begin Friday evening in the warning area, with hurricane conditions possible by early Saturday morning, particularly across mountainous regions where terrain amplifies wind speeds.

Catastrophic Rainfall Threatens Eastern Big Island

Forecasters predict the eastern and southern portions of the Big Island will receive between 15 and 30 inches of rain, with isolated areas potentially seeing 35 inches. The western sections of the Big Island should expect five to eight inches, with maximum totals reaching 10 inches. Maui could receive four to eight inches with localized amounts approaching 15 inches. The remaining Hawaiian Islands face one to three inches of rainfall, with isolated pockets reaching six inches, enough to trigger flooding in vulnerable areas.

The National Hurricane Center stressed that these rainfall totals pose catastrophic and life-threatening risks, especially in steep terrain where mudslides become increasingly likely. State officials responded by closing all state parks on the Big Island Thursday and all Maui state parks Friday through the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

What This Means

Hurricane Nolo represents a serious threat to Hawaii despite forecasts showing its center staying offshore. The storm’s enormous wind field and exceptional rainfall potential create dangerous conditions across multiple islands. Residents in affected areas should follow evacuation orders and prepare for extended power outages, flooding, and impassable roads. The Miami-based hurricane center continues monitoring Nolo’s path as it strengthens, with updates expected throughout the weekend as conditions evolve across the island chain.