Kauai Weather

Editorʻs Note: This story was updated at 9:55 a.m. on Sept. 24.

Tropical Storm Nolo is churning about 285 miles south of South Point. However, the maximum sustained winds have increased from 60 mph to 65 mph, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center’s 8 a.m. Thursday advisory.

Big Island residents are being urged to finish preparing for the storm soon. Nolo is forecast to become a hurricane by Thursday night and could become a major hurricane by the weekend as it approaches the Big Island.

Tropical Storm Nolo strengthened early Thursday morning to maximum sustained winds of 60 mph and could bring heavy rainfall later in the day to the Big Island, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center’s 5 a.m. Thursday advisory.

The storm has been stationary for a few hours, churning about 285 miles south of South Point.

Big Island residents should finish preparing for the storm soon. Nolo is forecast to become a hurricane by Thursday night and could become a major hurricane by the weekend as it approaches the Big Island.

A hurricane watch remains in effect for the Big Island. Nolo is forecast to move to the north or north-northeast later today through Friday, followed by a sharp westward turn by Saturday in the vicinity of the Big Island.

But some models shifted the storm slightly northward, bringing the it even closer to the Big Island. The latest forecast said Nolo “potentially” will make its closest approach to the Big Island as a major hurricane on Saturday.

“A track closer to the Big Island could substantially increase the threat of damaging winds, particularly over higher terrain, along exposed ridges, and in areas downwind of the ridges,” the forecast said.

A flood watch also remains in effect for the Big Island through Saturday afternoon.

Life-threatening, catastrophic flooding and mudslides are possible, especially in areas of steep terrain across the Big Island and Maui. Across the remainder of Hawaii, lesser rainfall totals are expected, with isolated flooding possible.

Large and damaging waves also are possible along portions of the Big Island’s coastline into the weekend.

Tropical storm force winds extended outward up to 90 miles from the storm’s center as of Wednesday night.

A track closer to the Big Island could also result in interactions with the island’s terrain that could further influence the cyclone’s subsequent motion.

“Given these uncertainties, confidence in the track forecast remains lower than normal,” the forecast said.

Hazards likely to impact land

WIND: Hurricane conditions are possible in the watch area starting as early as Friday night.

RAINFALL: Tropical Storm Nolo will produce rainfall totals of 15 to 20 inches around the Big Island. with maximum amounts of 35 inches. This rainfall could produce catastrophic life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain mainly in windward and southeast locations. Bands of intense showers and thunderstorms associated with Nolo will reach the Big Island as early as Thursday.

STORM SURGE: The combination of dangerous storm surge and tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. The water could reach 1 to 3 feet above ground in some locations if peak surge occurs at the time of high tide.

The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast near and to the right of the landfall location, where the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves. Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances.

SURF: Swells generated by Nolo are expected to reach exposed east- and south-facing shores as well as southeast-facing shores of the Big Island by Friday, spreading westward and building through the weekend. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

TORNADOES/WATER SPOUTS: Tornadoes and large waterspouts will be possible associated with Nolo, mainly over and near the Big Island, along and to the right of the track of the hurricane.

Additional sources of information

Disaster preparedness information: American Red Cross.

Appropriate preparations: Ready.gov.

For storm information specific to your area, including possible inland watches and warnings, monitor products issued by the National Weather Service Honolulu forecast office.

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative is closely monitoring the depression which could bring weather impacts, such as high winds, to Kaua‘i as early as this weekend.

Members are encouraged to review their personal emergency preparedness plans and make sure they are ready for the possibility of prolonged power outages.

Preparedness tips include:

• Ensure that KIUC has your current contact information (phone, text and email) by calling us at 808.246.4300.
• Make an emergency plan: where to go, what to do and how to meet up if you are separated from your family. 
• Know evacuation routes and refuge areas. 
• Tie down or put away loose outdoor items to prevent them from becoming flying debris and causing damage. 
• Know where your electrical and gas shutoffs are located. 

Be prepared for prolonged power interruptions:

• Unplug electrical appliances and sensitive electrical equipment. 
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as long as possible. Food may stay frozen in the refrigerator’s freezer compartment for 12 to 48 hours, and up to 72 hours in a fully loaded separate freezer
• Ensure you have an adequate supply of non-perishable food and water available.
• If you are dependent on electricity for medical reasons, consider backup power options provided by KIUC. 

Additional preparedness information can be found on the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency website, as well as KIUC’s website.