The Pacific Is a Mess of Hurricanes

A series of hurricanes is plaguing the Pacific Ocean right now. Polo, the strongest of the bunch, has been wreaking havoc off the coast of Mexico for a week. Odalys, once a Category 4 storm, is now weakening in the open ocean. Hurricane Nolo, now a Category 2, is hovering about 145 miles off Hawaii’s Big Island, potentially dishing out up to 25 inches of rain and causing flooding and landslides.

Last month, four storms formed in the Pacific within a fortnight, with two, Hurricane Lala and Tropical Storm Moke, dangerously near Hawaii. With an intense El Niño event driving the trend, the Pacific has seen 17 tropical storms already, double the yearly average. Polo, with its fluctuating Category 4 to 5 status, is the biggest threat, likely causing catastrophic damage when it hits land on Monday.

This year's season is one of the most intense on record, with warmer waters expanding the storm formation area. The Hawaiian Islands, though, are generally spared as storms weaken by the time they reach central Pacific waters. However, Nolo's close proximity and the unusually warm central Pacific waters have raised concerns. Hawaii has already faced a volcanic eruption, historic floods, an earthquake, and Hurricane Lala's torrential downpour this year.

The island's vulnerability to Nolo is exacerbated by the lingering effects of Lala. More storms are on the horizon, with the hurricane season not ending for another two months. El Niño's effects are expected to intensify, potentially bringing more hurricanes to Hawaii.