Hurricane Nolo gains speed as it moves away from Hawaii, but high winds, flash floods are still risk

Torrential rain from Hurricane Nolo is intensifying in southern Hawaii, marking the islands' third encounter with a hurricane in just six weeks. The tropical season has been fueled by this year's super El Niño, potentially leading to life-threatening flooding and mudslides. Nolo intensifies into a Category 2 hurricane on Friday and maintains its strength on Saturday.

Rapid intensification, a quick increase in wind speed, is occurring more frequently due to climate change. The Big Island is set to face the brunt of Nolo's impacts as it continues to strengthen, making a close approach on Saturday. Extreme rain is the most serious threat, accompanied by strong wind gusts and hazardous seas. Hurricane Lalo's previous track over the Big Island in mid-August brought catastrophic flooding.

Meanwhile, Hurricane Lowell struck Kauai and Niihau as a Category 2 storm in early September. Governor Josh Green has declared a state of emergency, the third emergency declaration this month, in anticipation of the storm's impacts. President Donald Trump has approved a pre-landfall Presidential Emergency Declaration. Rainfall from Nolo is expected to be significant, with eight to 12 inches possible over eastern and southern parts of the Big Island, and up to 16 inches in steeper terrain.

The western side of the island may see about 6 inches of rain, while other areas will receive 1 to 3 inches. Tropical storm-force winds above 40 mph and hurricane-force gusts over 75 mph are possible in steep regions on Saturday.