The National Hurricane Center has warned that Hawaii’s Big Island could see rainfall totals of 15 to 20 inches, with higher amounts possible through Saturday, as Hurricane Nolo strengthens
Holidaymakers have been alerted to ‘life-threatening’ flooding as storm Nolo intensifies into a hurricane in Hawaii.
The globally renowned tourist hotspot, celebrated for its breathtaking beaches, is preparing for potentially devastating floods.
Nolo escalated to a hurricane in the Pacific Ocean on Thursday and was predicted to gain strength while veering towards Hawaii’s Big Island, according to the National Hurricane Centre.
Forecasters have cautioned that the Big Island could experience rainfall totals of 15 to 20 inches, with even higher amounts possible through Saturday.
The National Hurricane Center has suggested there could be ‘maximum amounts of 35 inches’, reports the Express.
The island of Maui could also face life-threatening floods, warned the hurricane centre.
It further stated that some regions of Hawaii will likely begin to feel the effects of hurricane conditions by Friday night.
The UK government website cautions that the Atlantic hurricane season typically spans from June to November, with The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) outlook forecasting an “above-normal hurricane season in the central Pacific basin”, including the waters surrounding Hawaii in 2026.
The government website advises holidaymakers that hurricane conditions may disrupt flights.
The website asserts: “Travellers to the USA during hurricane season should check the websites of local, State and Federal agencies (such as NOAA and the US National Hurricane Center) for the latest forecasts and conditions.
“You should also be aware of the possibility of disruption to flights and other transport services.”
The National Hurricane Center urges individuals to make preparations ‘now’ as “heavy rain increases in both coverage and intensity today and Friday.”