Hurricane Nolo poised to intensify as it nears Hawaii’s Big Island

Hurricane Nolo is tracking toward the Big Island of Hawaii and is forecast to strengthen into a major hurricane by the weekend, according to NPR. The cyclone, which has been wobbling across the central Pacific, is expected to slow as it approaches the islands, a factor that typically allows storms to gather more energy.

Meteorologists say Nolo’s erratic, zig‑zag path has complicated early predictions, but the latest model runs show the system consolidating as wind speeds climb above 111 mph. If the forecast holds, the storm could bring torrential rain to regions that have already experienced extensive flooding from earlier summer storms.

Residents on the leeward side of the island are being warned about the heightened risk of flash floods and landslides, especially in low‑lying valleys where water has pooled over the past weeks. Local officials have opened emergency shelters and are urging people to secure property, stock up on supplies, and stay tuned to official updates.

Hawaii’s exposure to powerful hurricanes is relatively rare; the last storm of comparable strength to make landfall was Hurricane Iniki in 1992. The state’s hurricane season runs from June through November, but the Pacific basin typically generates fewer intense cyclones than the Atlantic. Climate scientists note that warmer sea surface temperatures have been linked to more rapid intensification of storms, a trend that could make events like Nolo more common in the future.

State and county emergency managers have activated response plans that include pre‑positioned rescue teams, road closures for vulnerable highways, and coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The Hawaii Department of Transportation has already begun assessing potential disruptions to air travel and inter‑island ferry services.

Forecasters will continue to monitor Nolo’s structure over the next 48 hours. Residents are advised to heed evacuation orders if issued, keep emergency kits ready, and avoid low‑lying areas during the expected period of heavy rainfall. As the storm draws nearer, the focus will shift from prediction to preparation, aiming to minimize damage and protect lives.