Hawaii braces for Hurricane Nolo amid threat of catastrophic flooding — CBC World
Residents of Hawaii Island in the United States are preparing for life-threatening and potentially catastrophic flooding that Hurricane Nolo may cause. According to CBC World, the system’s maximum sustained wind speed has increased to 165 km/h, corresponding to a Category 2 hurricane.
The center of Nolo was located about 300 km south of South Point on Hawaii Island and 610 km southeast of Honolulu. The hurricane was moving northeast at about 8 km/h. Tropical-storm conditions on land were expected in the evening, while hurricane conditions could begin early Saturday.
Heavy rain and landslide threat
Forecasters predicted that Nolo would turn west on Saturday and would not strike the islands directly, although it could strengthen into a major hurricane. Eastern and southern parts of Hawaii Island were expected to receive 25 to 38 cm of rainfall, with up to 64 cm in some places. Wind gusts on land may reach 80 km/h.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center also warned of heavy rain on other islands of the archipelago. Life-threatening flooding and landslides are possible on Maui. The heaviest rainfall was forecast for southeastern Hawaii Island, which was affected by Hurricane Lala in August and where the ground remains wet due to additional rainfall. Storm surge could range from 30 to 91 cm, causing large waves and coastal flooding.
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Hawaii Governor Josh Green requested a disaster declaration for four counties in the state. Authorities activated more than 230 Hawaii National Guard members, and schools were closed in some areas. Residents of flood-prone areas were advised to move to designated shelters or other safe locations.
Hurricane Polo threatens Mexico
Meanwhile, Mexico is preparing for the approach of Hurricane Polo, which is heading toward the Baja California Peninsula after storm conditions along the country’s southwestern coast. The hurricane was forecast to turn toward the peninsula between Monday and Tuesday. Local authorities were preparing shelters, while the Mexican government reported port closures in the region.
Polo’s maximum sustained wind speed was estimated at 290 km/h. In coastal areas, people reinforced beach shops with sandbags and evacuated. Authorities opened shelters, closed schools, cleared beaches, and deployed 15,000 security personnel. In the port city of Lázaro Cárdenas in Michoacán state, seawater flooded homes, leaving wooden debris, furniture, and mud in the streets.
