Environment & Climate
Tropical Storm Nolo approaches Hawaii, prompting hurricane watch for Big Island
CBS News reports that Tropical Storm Nolo formed in the Pacific and may strengthen into a hurricane.
The short version
- Tropical Storm Nolo formed in the Pacific Ocean, prompting a hurricane watch for Hawaii's Big Island as forecasters expect it to strengthen into a hurricane by Thursday.[CBS News]
- The system is projected to approach the Big Island on Friday or Saturday, bringing up to 35 inches of rain in isolated areas.[CBS News]
- Meteorologists warn that heavy rainfall threatens catastrophic flooding and mudslides across the Big Island and Maui.[CBS News]
- The storm's exact trajectory remains subject to a forecast sharp turn toward the north and north-northeast.[CBS News]
Key facts
- Tropical Storm Nolo formed in the Pacific Ocean with sustained winds of 40 mph, prompting a hurricane watch for Hawaii's Big Island.[CBS News]
- The National Hurricane Center expects Nolo to reach hurricane status Thursday and potentially become a major hurricane by the weekend.[CBS News]
- Rainfall totals could reach 15 to 20 inches on the Big Island, with local maximums of up to 35 inches.[CBS News]
- Maui is forecast to receive between 5 and 10 inches of rain, with up to 20 inches in some areas, risking life-threatening flooding and mudslides.[CBS News]
What remains uncertain
- Whether Nolo will make direct landfall and the precise timing of its approach between Friday and Saturday depend on an expected sharp turn to the north and north-northeast.[CBS News]
- The ultimate peak intensity of Nolo remains uncertain, though forecasters state it could reach major hurricane status.[CBS News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.