A fast-strengthening Hurricane Nolo is set to pound Hawaii’s Big Island and Maui with flooding rain, dangerous surf, and damaging winds under active watches and warnings.
Story Highlights
- Hurricane Watch and Tropical Storm Warning are in effect for Hawaii County, with Maui under a watch in spots.
- Forecasters warn of life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides, especially on windward slopes.
- Eight to 16 inches of rain are possible in the hardest-hit terrain, driving rapid rises in streams.
- Authorities expect tropical-storm conditions to reach land before any possible hurricane-force gusts.
Warnings In Place For Big Island As Storm Nears
National Weather Service Honolulu issued a Hurricane Local Statement placing large Big Island zones under a Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch late Friday. The covered areas include Big Island East, Interior, North, South, Southeast, Summits, Kohala, and Kona. Parts of Maui, including higher terrain, remain under a Tropical Storm Watch as the storm’s outer bands spread north. The National Hurricane Center’s public advisory also lists Hawaii County under both alerts, confirming the risk window within 24 to 36 hours.
National Hurricane Center trackers reported Nolo moving slowly with a broad envelope of rain and surf targeting the islands’ southeast flank. The center expects additional heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and large waves for portions of Hawaii as the cyclone edges west and interacts with island terrain. That slow speed matters. Slow storms wring out more rain over mountains and valleys. That raises the threat of flash floods, washouts, and power outages in communities along the windward slopes and low-lying zones.
Flooding Rain And Mudslide Threat On Windward Slopes
National Weather Service forecasters in Hawaii warned that moisture on Nolo’s north side will slam into Big Island and Maui terrain. That setup can trigger significant flash flooding, especially on windward and upslope areas. Rapid runoff may send water and debris over roads and into neighborhoods. Landslides could cut off access to isolated areas. People living near streams, gulches, and steep slopes should move vehicles to higher ground and keep go-bags ready in case officials order quick evacuations.
The National Hurricane Center and national outlets highlighted rainfall totals that could climb into the double digits. Forecasts call for eight to 12 inches over eastern and southern Big Island through Sunday, with up to 16 inches in the steepest terrain. Those numbers can overwhelm drainage and trigger mud and rock slides across mountain roads. Even if Nolo’s core passes south, the rain shield and strong onshore flow will still deliver dangerous impacts well away from the center.
Winds, Surf, And Timing Of Hazard Onset
Public guidance says tropical storm conditions are expected to begin on land this evening, with hurricane conditions possible by early Saturday if stronger bands pivot north. That means damaging gusts could topple trees and power lines before sunrise. Large, pounding surf will hammer east and south-facing shores. Beach erosion and coastal flooding may occur near high tide. Mariners should remain in port. Drivers should avoid flooded roadways and never bypass barricades or ignore first responder instructions.
#Hurricane #Nolo Spins Off Hawaii, Bringing Threat of Dangerous #Flooding.As much as 16 inches of rain could fall on parts of the #Big #Island this weekend even as the storm avoids land. https://t.co/dto16pIur9
— R eng (@RengsecondEng) September 26, 2026
Uncertainty always exists with slow, terrain-influenced systems, but forecasters agree on the flood risk. Official messaging has focused on rainfall, debris flows, and rapid rises in streams. Residents should monitor official alerts, charge phones, and secure outdoor items. Under President Trump, federal agencies work with Hawaii officials to pre-position aid and speed any response. Still, personal readiness remains the first line of defense. Common-sense steps now can save lives when the bands intensify overnight.
Sources:
washingtontimes.com, hawaiipublicradio.org, nhc.noaa.gov, weather.gov, nytimes.com, mauinow.com, foxweather.com
