Hurricane Nolo is expected to bring potentially life-threatening and catastrophic flooding to Hawaii on Friday. Forecasters anticipate heavy rainfall, as much as 25 inches, and large, damaging waves along the coast.
The storm is expected to move west on Saturday and not directly hit the islands, but its effects are still predicted to be significant. The US National Hurricane Center has warned that the rainfall could produce catastrophic life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas with steep terrain.
In preparation for the storm, the state has activated over 230 Hawaii National Guard members and closed schools. Remote communities are still recovering from extreme weather earlier this summer that destroyed homes and roads, and left neighbourhoods without power.
Hawaii’s emergency management agency has advised residents and visitors to review emergency plans and supplies, prepare properties for flooding, high winds, and power outages, and consider evacuating to safer areas.