Hurricane Nolo Moves Away from Hawaii; Hurricane Polo Approaches Mexico's Baja California

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 warned 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 dangerous flooding conditions 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, leading to partial closures of one of the main highways linking Kailua-Kona in the west to Hilo in the east. National Guard members were seen assisting a man driving through flooded streets near Naalehu 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 caused significant damage, including sweeping about 100 homes off their foundations on the Big Island. Despite the warnings, some individuals were seen in the water at Carlsmith Beach Park in Hilo on Saturday morning. Andrea Gill, who was swimming before returning home, expressed hope that the islands might not experience the full impact of the storm. 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, stated 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, a pattern consistent with El Niño years. Meanwhile, parts of Mexico's Baja California peninsula were preparing for the arrival of major Hurricane Polo, which was moving closer 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), about 275 miles (445 kilometers) south-southwest of Cabo San Lucas. Mexico's National Meteorological Service reported that Polo was expected to make landfall in Baja on Monday. A hurricane warning was issued along the coast of mainland Mexico from Huatabampito to Guaymas. The Mexican navy announced that it had gathered personnel and humanitarian aid in the ports of Guaymas and Mazatlan and deployed vessels to assist coastal communities affected 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 experiences frequent outages, raising concerns about access to medical facilities during the storm. Gloriely Robles Meza, a manager at a local hotel, stated that the community is worried about the impending hurricane. The Mexican Army has arrived in San Juanico to prepare a shelter and provide support for potential emergencies. Additionally, Tropical Storm Rachel formed well off Mexico's southwest coast, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 kph), located about 300 miles (485 kilometers) south of Acapulco. No coastal watches or warnings are currently in effect.