Hurricane Local Statement
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Tropical Storm Nolo Local Statement Advisory Number 17
National Weather Service Honolulu HI EP152026
1130 AM HST Thu Sep 24 2026
This product covers the Hawaiian islands
**TROPICAL STORM NOLO CONTINUES TO STRENGTHEN AND MOVE SLOWLY
NORTHWARD TOWARDS THE BIG ISLAND**
NEW INFORMATION
---------------
* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Big Island East,
Big Island Interior, Big Island North, Big Island South, Big
Island Southeast, Big Island Summits, Kohala, and Kona
- A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Haleakala Summit,
Kahoolawe, Kipahulu, Lanai Leeward, Lanai Mauka, Lanai South,
Lanai Windward, Maui Central Valley North, Maui Central Valley
South, Maui Leeward West, Maui Windward West, Molokai Leeward
South, Molokai North, Molokai Southeast, Molokai West, Molokai
Windward, South Haleakala, South Maui/Upcountry, and Windward
Haleakala
* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch are in effect for
Big Island East, Big Island Interior, Big Island North, Big
Island South, Big Island Southeast, Big Island Summits, Kohala,
and Kona
- A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Haleakala Summit,
Kahoolawe, Kipahulu, Lanai Leeward, Lanai Mauka, Lanai South,
Lanai Windward, Maui Central Valley North, Maui Central Valley
South, Maui Leeward West, Maui Windward West, Molokai Leeward
South, Molokai North, Molokai Southeast, Molokai West, Molokai
Windward, South Haleakala, South Maui/Upcountry, and Windward
Haleakala
* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 460 miles south-southeast of Honolulu or about 340 miles
south-southwest of Hilo
- 14.9N 156.1W
- Storm Intensity 70 mph
- Movement North or 360 degrees at 2 mph
SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------
The Tropical Storm Nolo track has been moved slightly southward with
the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center. It is
forecast to slowly track north through Friday, then make a turn to the
west Friday night as it strengthens to a major hurricane. Nolo is
will then continue westward through the weekend with the center
passing south of Hawaii. However, impacts from Nolo will be felt well
outside the center of the storm.
Tropical storm force winds are expected to reach the Big Island as
early as midday Friday, with hurricane force winds possible by Friday
night. A Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricaine Watch has been issued
for Big Island. A Hurricane Watch has been issued for Maui County.
Tropical storm watches may be needed for other islands should future
track forecasts bring Nolo closer to the state.
Bands of intense showers and thunderstorms associated with Nolo will
reach the Big Island later today. Excessive rainfall is possible which
could lead to locally catastrophic flash flooding and mudslides,
mainly on windward and southeast Big Island. Flooding can occur even
in areas not usually prone to flooding. Outer rain bands associated
with Nolo are expected to reach the smaller islands, and will be
enhanced by the terrain, particularly on Maui. Additional rainfall
amounts of 15 to 30 inches are possible on the Big Island, with
localized amounts of 35 inches. On Maui, rainfall amounts of 4 to
8 inches are possible, with localized amounts of 15 inches.
Swell generated by Nolo could bring very large and rough surf and
dangerous rip currents for south and southeast facing shores,
especially for the Big Island. Expecting surf to reach at least
advisory levels along all south and east facing shores.
Tornadoes and large waterspouts will be possible associated with Nolo,
mainly over and near the Big Island, along and to the right of the
track of the tropical cyclone.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------
* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
devastating impacts across Big Island. Potential
impacts include:
- Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations and
rescues.
- Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their banks
in many places with deep moving water. Small streams, creeks,
canals, arroyos, and ditches may become raging rivers. In
mountain areas, deadly runoff may rage down valleys while
increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood
control systems and barriers may become stressed.
- Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple
communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed
away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover escape
routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of raging water
with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become very
dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures with some weakened
or washed out.
Prepare for life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
limited to extensive impacts across Maui County.
* WIND:
Protect against life-threatening wind having possible devastating
impacts across Big Island. Potential impacts in
this area include:
- Structural damage to sturdy buildings, some with complete roof
and wall failures. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Damage
greatly accentuated by large airborne projectiles. Locations
may be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
- Numerous large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
roadway signs blown over.
- Many roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
or heavily wooded places. Many bridges, causeways, and access
routes impassable.
- Widespread power and communications outages.
Also, prepare for life-threatening wind having possible limited to
extensive impacts across Maui County.
* SURGE:
Protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited
impacts across Big Island. Potential impacts in
this area include:
- Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along
immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas
farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore.
- Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspread
with surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places where
surge water covers the road.
- Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly
in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents.
- Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks,
and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings.
Elsewhere across the Hawaiian islands, little to no impact is
anticipated.
* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across the Big Island. Potential impacts include:
- The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution
of emergency plans during tropical events.
- A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power
and communications disruptions.
- Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys
toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned,
large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees
knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and small boats
pulled from moorings.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------
* EVACUATIONS:
Follow the advice of local officials
* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and
property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a
safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding.
If you are relocating to safe shelter, leave as early as possible.
Allow extra time to reach your destination. Many roads and bridges
will be closed once strong winds arrive. Check the latest weather
forecast before departing and drive with caution.
If heading to a community shelter, become familiar with the shelter
rules before arrival, especially if you have special needs or have
pets. Take essential items with you from your Emergency Supplies Kit.
Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury or loss of
life. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any
orders that are issued. Remember, during the storm 9 1 1 Emergency
Services may not be able to immediately respond if conditions are
unsafe. This should be a big factor in your decision making.
Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles
can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide
poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly
ventilated area.
It is important to remain calm, informed, and focused during an
emergency. Be patient and helpful with those you encounter.
If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in
which you are staying and the name of the county or parish in which
it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay
attention for instructions from local authorities.
Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone
area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded
roadway. Remember, turn around don't drown!
If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter
quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not
prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter
options.
If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or
on a boat, consider moving to a safer shelter before the onset of
strong winds or flooding.
Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets
for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes
to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather
warnings.
* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org
- For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org
NEXT UPDATE
-----------
The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Honolulu HI around 530 PM HST, or sooner if conditions
warrant.