As an active week of severe weather unfolds across the U.S., Tropical Storm Nolo could strengthen into a major hurricane and make a rare direct landfall in the Hawaiian Islands.
Tropical Storm Nolo is among multiple other storms churning in the Pacific, including Hurricane Polo and Odalys, which are barreling toward Mexico.
Conditions in the Pacific are not easing up as Tropical Storm Nolo, located southeast of the Hawaiian Islands, enters much more favorable environmental conditions for further development.
The National Hurricane Center said Nolo is currently about 300 miles from South Point, Hawaii, with sustained winds of 40 mph, moving at 6 mph.
The FOX Forecast Center expects Tropical Storm Nolo to strengthen into a major hurricane by Saturday morning as it makes its closest approach to the Hawaiian Islands.
A Hurricane Watch has been issued for Hawaii’s Big Island, according to the National Hurricane Center.
“It remains uncertain whether the storm will make direct landfall,” the FOX Forecast Center said. “However, it is extremely rare for a major hurricane to come this close to the Hawaiian Islands.”
The main concern for the state will be heavy rainfall starting Thursday and continuing through the weekend, with totals around 8 to 12 inches and 19 to 24 inches on the eastern side of the island.
Localized totals could exceed 30 inches through the weekend, fueling a dangerous flood threat for thousands of residents statewide.
As a result, Flood Watches are in effect for more than half of the main Hawaiian Islands, including the Big Island, Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe. The persistent downpours may create catastrophic flash flooding.
“The time to prepare for significant heavy rain and flooding impacts on the Big Island is now, as heavy rain becomes more likely by Thursday and Friday, NOAA said. “Life-threatening, catastrophic flooding and mudslides are possible.”
The predicted rainfall is very similar to what was expected for Hurricane Lala, when it made a close approach to the state earlier in the season.
Powerful wind gusts will also be a concern, as the FOX Forecast Center expects the storm to produce winds over 70 mph.
Hurricane hunters are set to fly into Tropical Storm Nolo Thursday afternoon to gather more data on the fast-approaching storm and what to expect in terms of impacts heading into the weekend.
