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3 clusters · 23 sources · 4 days · First seen · Last updated

Hurricane Nolo threatens Hawaii with catastrophic flooding

Overview

Hurricane Nolo has strengthened to a Category 3 hurricane, with sustained winds exceeding 110 mph. While the storm is not expected to make direct landfall, it poses a severe threat to the Hawaiian Islands, particularly the Big Island and Maui.

Forecasters warn of catastrophic damage, including widespread power and communication outages, uprooted trees, and impassable roads. Extreme rainfall remains a primary concern; the Big Island may receive between 15 and 20 inches of rain, with some areas potentially seeing up to 35 inches. Maui is expected to experience between 5 and 20 inches of rainfall. These totals create a high risk of life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in steep terrain.

In response to the intensifying storm, a hurricane watch has been issued for the Big Island and a tropical storm watch for Maui County. 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.

This weather event follows closely after Hurricane Lala caused major flooding and power outages in the region. Local organizations, such as the Hawaii Community Health Center, are preparing for potential disruptions to medical services, while emergency responders are on alert for possible evacuations and rescues.

Entities

Big Island · National Hurricane Center · Maui · National Weather Service · Hawaii

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Timeline

  1. about 7 hours ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 16 sources
    Hurricane Nolo threatens Hawaii with major storm status and flooding

    Tropical Storm Nolo is forecast to become a major hurricane this weekend, threatening Hawaii with extreme rainfall, flooding, and high winds as an intense El Niño pattern drives Pacific storm activity.

  2. 3 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Tropical Storm Nolo triggers hurricane watch for Hawaii

    Tropical Storm Nolo has formed in the Pacific, triggering a hurricane watch for Hawaii's Big Island with threats of catastrophic flooding and mudslides.

  3. 3 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 7 sources
    Hawaii Island under flood watch as potential tropical cyclone approaches

    The remnants of Tropical Depression 15-E are expected to become Tropical Storm Nolo, threatening Hawaii with heavy rain, flooding, and potential hurricane-strength winds this weekend.

Sources

bangordailynews.com · bigislandvideonews.com · brandonsun.com · cbsnews.com · directrelief.org · hawaiitribune-herald.com · independent.co.uk · keyt.com · kion546.com · laopinion.com · latestly.com · mauinow.com · mymotherlode.com · newsday.com · newswise.com · ntd.com · offthepress.com · staradvertiser.com · thegardenisland.com · troyrecord.com · westhawaiitoday.com · world-today-journal.com · wtop.com

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history