Hurricane Nolo threatens Hawaii with flooding, strong winds and high surf

Hurricane Nolo churned south of Hawaii’s Big Island over the weekend, threatening the islands with torrential rain, flash flooding, mudslides, strong winds and damaging surf even as its center was expected to pass south of the state.

On Saturday, Nolo was about 145 miles south of Hawaii’s southernmost point, with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph, according to The Guardian. Forecasters said parts of the Big Island could receive up to 20 inches of rain; an earlier forecast cited the possibility of as much as 25 inches. The National Hurricane Center warned that rainfall could cause “catastrophic life-threatening flooding and mudslides,” particularly in steep terrain.

State and county officials urged people to assemble emergency kits, avoid unnecessary travel and consider moving from flood-prone areas to shelters or other safer locations. Hawaii activated hundreds of National Guard members and closed schools in preparation. President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration Friday, authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate federal assistance and support emergency measures.

The storm approached as communities continued recovering from Hurricane Lala. Relief organizations moved camp stoves, hygiene products and other supplies from Oahu to the Big Island, while Hawaiian Electric repositioned crews across several islands. The National Hurricane Center director also warned that falling trees and power lines could compound the danger from flooding and high winds.