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Hurricane Nolo threatens Hawaii with major storm status and flooding
Tropical Storm Nolo is intensifying in the central Pacific and is forecast to become a major hurricane by the weekend. The storm poses a significant threat to the Hawaiian Islands, particularly the Big Island and Maui, with risks of catastrophic flooding, mudslides, and destructive winds.
Forecasters have issued a hurricane watch for the Big Island and a tropical storm watch for Maui County. Rainfall totals are expected to be extreme, with some areas on the Big Island potentially receiving up to 35 inches of rain. In East Maui, rainfall could reach between 10 and 15 inches. Due to the anticipated severe weather, Maui County offices are scheduled to close on Friday, September 25, 2026.
The intensification of Nolo is linked to broader climate patterns, specifically a strong El Niño event. While El Niño typically suppresses Atlantic hurricane activity by increasing vertical wind shear, it has contributed to an unusually active and intense hurricane season in the Pacific Ocean.
Entities
Big Island · Brian McNoldy · Hawaii · Hawaii Community Health Center · Maui · National Hurricane Center · National Weather Service
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Rainfall totals in East Maui could reach between 10 and 15 inches.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The current El Nino pattern may be one of the strongest on record. www.bangordailynews.com · www.troyrecord.com · wtop.com · www.independent.co.uk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Nolo strengthened to a Category 3 hurricane on Thursday with sustained winds above 110 mph. www.directrelief.org
- [● 3 SOURCES] Tropical Storm Nolo is forecast to reach major hurricane status by the weekend. world-today-journal.com · laopinion.com · www.ntd.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A Flood Watch is in effect for Hawaii Island and Maui County through Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A hurricane watch has been issued for the Big Island of Hawaii. world-today-journal.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] County of Maui offices will be closed on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Some areas on the Big Island could receive up to 35 inches of rain. www.ntd.com