Hurricane Nolo Threatens Hawaii’s Big Island with Heavy Rain, Winds, and Flooding
Hurricane Nolo, currently churning in the Pacific with top winds of 40 mph (64 km/h), is set to intensify into a major hurricane as it approaches Hawaii’s Big Island early Saturday. According to the US National Hurricane Center, the storm was located 500 miles south of Honolulu and is on a track that will bring it dangerously close to the island. Officials are urging residents to prepare for significant heavy rain and flooding, with conditions expected to deteriorate by Thursday and Friday. “The time to prepare for significant heavy rain and flooding impacts on the Big Island is now,” warned Blake, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Wind alerts are also in effect for portions of the Big Island and Maui County, where gusts up to 50 mph are possible. The threat of landslides remains, especially in areas of steep terrain, as saturated soils could give way.
As the storm approaches, state and county officials have been in regular contact with the Robinson family, owners of the privately owned island of Niihau, which is part of Kauai County. The Robinsons, who also hold significant land on Kauai, participate in daily coordination calls that include the National Weather Service, utility leaders, and FEMA. Niihau has maintained an unusual level of isolation since Elizabeth Sinclair of New Zealand purchased it from King Kamehameha V in 1864 for $10,000 in gold. This isolation has helped preserve Hawaiian culture far more intact than in other parts of the state that were transformed by U.S. influence. As Nolo bears down, officials are working to ensure the safety of Niihau’s residents while respecting their unique way of life.
The storm’s potential impact is underscored by historical data: only one other major hurricane (Category 3 or stronger) has tracked within 150 miles of the Big Island, according to NOAA’s hurricane database. This rarity makes Nolo a particularly unusual and dangerous threat. Residents are advised to secure property, stock supplies, and stay tuned to local authorities for updates. With heavy rain and strong winds forecast, the Big Island and surrounding areas must brace for possible destruction. Eighteen homes were destroyed and 67 suffered major damage in a previous storm, a stark reminder of nature’s power. As Nolo approaches, preparedness and vigilance are paramount.
Shimanta Das 
