Hurricane Nolo Moves Away from Hawaii, Threat of Heavy Rain and Winds Remains

HILO, Hawaii (AP) — Hurricane Nolo was moving away from the Hawaiian Islands on Sunday, but the threat of heavy rain, flash flooding, and strong winds persisted in areas of the island chain still recovering from previous storms. Nolo was about 365 miles (585 kilometers) south-southwest of Honolulu and moving away from the Big Island at about 12 mph (19 kph). The Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency reported that a high wind warning, wind advisory, and high surf advisory remained in effect for parts of the island through Sunday evening as Nolo's maximum sustained winds rose to 115 mph (165 kph). Nolo was expected to strengthen further and turn toward the northwest by Sunday night, though the U.S. National Hurricane Center indicated that the storm's center would remain well south and southwest of the Hawaiian Islands. The storm was anticipated to approach the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, a national conservation area, early this week. Forecasters noted that Nolo's outer bands could cause life-threatening flooding and mudslides, with parts of the Big Island possibly receiving up to 20 inches (50 centimeters) of rain. Heavy rain was also expected on the other islands. Michael Brennan, director of the National Hurricane Center, advised residents to avoid venturing out into the dangerous flooding environment and high winds, which could result in downed trees and power lines. Heavy rain fell across the southern part of the Big Island on Saturday afternoon, prompting partial closures of one of the main highways linking Kailua-Kona in the west to Hilo in the east. Near Naalehu, at the island's southern point, National Guard members assisted a man driving through flooded streets as he attempted to leave his home during a downpour. More than 120 guard members were activated on the island, part of roughly 400 statewide after the governor issued an emergency proclamation. Residents are still recovering from Hurricane Lala, which produced heavy rain and winds strong enough to displace approximately 100 homes on the Big Island. Despite signs indicating that Carlsmith Beach Park in Hilo was closed, about a dozen people were seen in the water Saturday morning. Andrea Gill was out for her regular swim before returning home to prepare with family. Shop owners boarded up businesses, and events were canceled. Gill remarked that while storms are common, hurricanes are rare, expressing hope that the islands might not experience the full impact of Nolo. President Donald Trump recently approved an emergency declaration, allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate assistance and provide funding support. Hawaiian Electric, the state's primary utility, reported that crews restoring power in Kauai after Hurricane Lowell returned to Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island in response to Nolo. The Pacific has been unusually active this season, according to National Weather Service lead forecaster Bob Oravec, with storm activity running above average during the peak of hurricane season. This pattern is consistent with El Niño years, which typically see more tropical storms and hurricanes. Meanwhile, parts of Mexico's Baja California peninsula awaited the arrival of major Hurricane Polo, which approached after impacting other parts of the country's southwest coast with rain and strong winds. Polo remained a dangerous Category 3 hurricane with top sustained winds of 125 mph (205 kph) and was moving to the north-northwest at 12 mph (19 kph), approximately 275 miles (445 kilometers) south-southwest of Cabo San Lucas. Mexico's National Meteorological Service indicated that Polo was expected to make landfall on the Baja on Monday. A hurricane warning was issued along the coast of mainland Mexico from Huatabampito to Guaymas. The Mexican navy announced that it has gathered personnel and humanitarian aid in the ports of Guaymas and Mazatlan and has deployed three vessels to deliver aid to coastal communities isolated by the hurricane. San Juanico, a small fishing community on Baja's Pacific coast, is among the towns in the hurricane's projected path. The town has only had full-time electricity for a few years and frequently experiences outages. There are concerns that washed-out roads could block access to the nearest medical facility, located about 80 minutes away in Ciudad Constitucion. Gloriely Robles Meza, a manager at a small hotel, expressed concern about the situation, stating that the community has not faced such a worrying event in many years. The Mexican Army arrived in San Juanico to prepare a shelter and provide support for possible emergencies, and an electrical crew was also present to prepare for Polo's arrival. Additionally, Tropical Storm Rachel formed well off Mexico's southwest coast, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 kph) and located about 300 miles (485 kilometers) south of Acapulco. No coastal watches or warnings were in effect.