Hurricane Nolo Moves Away From Hawaii as Flood and Wind Threats Persist

Hurricane Nolo was moving away from Hawaii on Sunday, but heavy rain, flash flooding, strong winds and high surf remained threats across parts of the island chain.

The storm was about 365 miles south-southwest of Honolulu and moving away from the Big Island at roughly 12 mph, according to The Guardian. Nolo’s maximum sustained winds had reached 115 mph, and the National Hurricane Center expected its center to remain well south and southwest of the islands while turning northwest.

Forecasters warned that Nolo’s outer bands could produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides. Parts of the Big Island could receive as much as 20 inches of rain, with heavy rainfall also forecast elsewhere in Hawaii. Downpours on Saturday prompted partial closures of a major highway connecting Kailua-Kona and Hilo, while high-wind, wind and high-surf advisories remained in effect for parts of the Big Island through Sunday evening.

Roughly 400 Hawaii National Guard members were activated statewide after Gov. Josh Green issued an emergency proclamation. Officials urged residents in flood-prone areas to consider shelters and advised people to avoid unnecessary travel. President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate federal assistance and provide funding for emergency measures.

The storm affected communities still recovering from recent hurricanes, including August’s Hurricane Lala, which swept about 100 homes from their foundations on the Big Island. Businesses were boarded up, events were canceled and utility crews were repositioned in preparation for Nolo’s effects.