Hurricane Nolo expected to unleash powerful winds and flash flooding on Hawaii
While direct landfall by the storm's center was not expected, forecasters said it could cause life-threatening flooding and mudslides, with parts of the Big Island expected to see rainfall totals up to 20 inches.
Hawaii braces for intense winds and flash flooding as Hurricane Nolo nears the islands still grappling with the aftermath of previous storms. Nolo, currently off the Big Island's south coast with 105mph (165km/h) sustained winds, could intensify into a dangerous storm over the weekend, bringing up to 20 inches (51cm) of rainfall to parts of the islands.
Forecasters urge residents to avoid dangerous floodwaters and high winds, warning of potential downed trees and power lines. The Hawaii-based humanitarian aid group Community Organized Relief Effort (Core) is preparing supplies for a relief hub on the Big Island, following the recent Hurricane Lala, which left about 100 homes destroyed.
President Donald Trump has authorized an emergency declaration for Hawaii, enabling FEMA to aid the state and provide funding for emergency measures. Hawaii officials have advised residents to prepare emergency kits and have activated Hawaii National Guard members. Hawaiian Electric has dispatched crews to repair power lines across the state.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Polo threatens Mexico's Baja California peninsula, with maximum sustained winds of 155mph (249km/h). The storm is expected to weaken before making landfall on Monday. In San Juanico, a small fishing town on the Pacific coast, residents are bracing for the storm without adequate support. With limited electricity and a single gas station, they must prepare themselves to face the storm.
Written by urgent.news from The Guardian US's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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