Hurricane Nolo predicted to bring ‘life-threatening flooding’ to Hawaii

Key Points:

• Hurricane Nolo is forecasted to bring life-threatening flooding and heavy rainfall up to 25 inches to Hawaii on Friday, impacting communities still recovering from recent storms, including areas affected by Hurricane Lala in August.
• The state has activated over 230 National Guard members, closed schools, and issued warnings about catastrophic flooding and mudslides, especially in steep terrain.
• Nolo is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane by Saturday, with tropical storm conditions beginning Friday evening, prompting residents and tourists to prepare for possible evacuations and power outages.
• Hawaii’s governor has requested a federal emergency disaster declaration for four counties to access aid, while Senator Brian Schatz highlighted the climate crisis as a key factor in the increasing frequency of destructive storms.
• Emergency management officials advise residents and visitors to review emergency plans, secure properties, and consider relocating to safer areas ahead of the storm’s arrival.