# Hurricane Nolo threatens Hawaii with catastrophic flooding > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tropical-storm-nolo-approaching-hawaii > Updated: 2026-09-24T21:05:27.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 3. Hurricane Nolo has strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane in the central Pacific, moving slowly at approximately 2 mph. Forecasters warn the storm could potentially reach major hurricane status by the weekend. The storm continues to pose a severe threat to the Hawaiian Islands, particularly the Big Island and Maui, with rainfall projections for the Big Island ranging from 15 to 35 inches. In response to the escalating threat, Hawaii Governor Josh Green has ordered the closure of state and county offices, public schools, and University of Hawaii facilities on Hawaii Island. Additionally, the National Park Service has closed most areas within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Emergency shelters have been opened in several locations on the Big Island to accommodate residents. The intensification of Nolo is linked to El Niño conditions, which have contributed to warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures and an active Pacific hurricane season. While Nolo approaches Hawaii, Hurricane Polo is simultaneously impacting Mexico’s Pacific coast with heavy rain and dangerous surf. ## Claims - Tropical Storm Nolo is forecast to reach major hurricane status by the weekend. (disputed by 4 sources) - Nolo strengthened to a Category 3 hurricane on Thursday with sustained winds above 110 mph. (disputed) - The current El Nino pattern may be one of the strongest on record. (corroborated by 4 sources) - A hurricane watch has been issued for the Big Island of Hawaii. (corroborated by 3 sources) - A Flood Watch is in effect for Hawaii Island and Maui County through Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Rainfall totals in East Maui could reach between 10 and 15 inches. (single source) - Some areas on the Big Island could receive up to 35 inches of rain. (single source) - County of Maui offices will be closed on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. (single source) - Nolo is moving northward at an unusually slow 2 mph. (single source) - Most areas within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park will close ahead of Tropical Storm Nolo. (single source) - State and county offices, public schools, and University of Hawaii facilities on Hawaii Island will close. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-24: Hurricane Nolo threatens Hawaii with catastrophic flooding and high winds Hurricane Nolo has strengthened to a Category 3 storm, threatening Hawaii with catastrophic flooding and hurricane-force winds. Schools and government offices in Hawaii are closing as preparations intensify. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hurricane-nolo-threatens-hawaii-with-catastrophic-flooding ### 2026-09-22: 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tropical-storm-nolo-triggers-hurricane-watch-for-hawaii ### 2026-09-21: 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. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hawaii-officials-monitor-potential-tropical-storm-nolo --- Cite as: Hurricane Nolo threatens Hawaii with catastrophic flooding. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tropical-storm-nolo-approaching-hawaii