Ryanna and Jim Fry stand beneath clouds as Hurricane Nolo approaches in Kona, Hawaii on 25 September 2026. Photograph: Gregory Bull/APView image in fullscreenRyanna and Jim Fry stand beneath clouds as Hurricane Nolo approaches in Kona, Hawaii on 25 September 2026. Photograph: Gregory Bull/APHurricane Nolo predicted to bring ‘life-threatening flooding’ to HawaiiForecasters say storm will cause heavy rains and large waves along the coast, near communities still recovering from extreme weather
Hurricane Nolo is expected to bring potentially life-threatening and catastrophic flooding to Hawaii on Friday, affecting communities that are still recovering from devastating storms earlier this summer.
The state activated more than 230 Hawaii national guard members and closed schools ahead of the storm. Nolo is expected to move west on Saturday and not directly hit the islands, but forecasters say it will still cause heavy rainfall, as much as 25in, as well as large and damaging waves along the coast.
It comes as remote communities are still recovering from extreme weather in recent months that destroyed homes, washed away roads and left neighborhoods without power. Nolo is forecasted to bring the heaviest rain to an area hit hard by Hurricane Lala in August where some people remain displaced.
Residents still grappling with the effects of the previous storm told Honolulu Civil Beat they were on edge over this bout of bad weather and hoping their homes would survive.
“We’re slowly starting to rebuild, but now it’s almost like if this storm hits, it’ll smash us back down,” said Troy Gacayan, a high school teacher and pastor, to the outlet.
As of Friday morning, Nolo was just over 200 miles south of the Big Island and expected to head north-east, bringing tropical storm conditions by the evening before strengthening to a major hurricane on Saturday.
“This rainfall could produce catastrophic life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain,” the US National Hurricane Center said.
Meanwhile, residents and tourists alike were preparing for the storm to approach the Big Island.
“I guess that’d be my concern – whether we’re getting out of here or not, but, you know, as far as the weather goes, it is what it is,” said Daniel Compton, who was visiting from Seattle.
Hawaii’s emergency management agency has advised residents and visitors to review emergency plans and supplies, ensure properties are prepared for flooding, high winds and power outages, and to consider evacuating to safer areas.
Earlier this week, Josh Green, Hawaii’s governor, requested an emergency disaster declaration for four Hawaii counties in order to access federal funds and emergency support. The request still awaits approval from Donald Trump.
In remarks to Congress earlier this week, Brian Schatz, a Hawaii senator, lamented the destruction on the islands and pointed to the role of the climate crisis.
“There is a reason these destructive disasters are piling up one after another, leaving communities exhausted and governments depleted. It is the warming planet,” Schatz said, urging the US to reduce pollution, increase clean energy and help communities prepare for worsening disasters.
