(BIVN) – The Hurricane Watch for Hawaiʻi County has been cancelled, as Hurricane Nolo moves west on Saturday morning. A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect.
As of 11 a.m. Saturday, Nolo was located 160 miles south of Kaʻū, and was moving west at 5 mph. Maximum sustained winds are near 90 mph (150 km/h) with higher gusts. Nolo is forecast to strengthen into a major hurricane on Sunday and peak in intensity by early Monday, but it will no longer be a direct threat to Hawaiʻi island.
Nolo is still expected to produce additional rainfall totals 3 to 6 inches for the Big Island, bringing storm totals to 10 to 20 inches with isolated maximum amounts of 25 inches. “This rainfall could produce significant, life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain,” the Central Pacific Hurricane Center says.
From a Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense message issued at 11:30 a.m. HST:
Some areas across Hawaii Island are forecast to continue to experience intermittent episodes of heavy rains and strong wind gusts. Tropical Storm Warning and Flood Watch remain in effect for Hawaii Island. The public is encouraged to continue to prepare for strong winds, heavy rains and possible flooding conditions.
As of 9:00 last night, Highway 250 or the Kohala Mountain Road was closed due to high winds and possible hazardous conditions and remains closed at this time.
All other major roadways and highways are open.
Motorists are advised to continue to anticipate possible hazardous conditions and possible road closures.
Shelter facilities at ten locations around Hawaii Island remain open for those wishing to take refuge. For more information on shelter locations please visit the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency website or contact the Civil Defense office at (808)935-0031.
Please continue to monitor local radio broadcasts in your area for official updates and advisories.
