Hurricane Nolo eyes Hawaii with catastrophic flash flood risks

Hurricane Nolo has reached Category 1 status with winds of 85 mph as it approaches the Hawaiian Islands

This browser does not support the video element.

By David Heckard

ORLANDO, Fla. — Hurricane Nolo is pushing toward Hawaii in the central Pacific with heavy rains and catastrophic flash flooding now the biggest concerns.

The 11 am ET advisory from the National Hurricane Center had winds of 85 mph, making Nolo a Category 1 hurricane.

Hurricane Nolo Hurricane Nolo is pushing toward Hawaii in the central Pacific with heavy rains and catastrophic flash flooding now the biggest concerns.

A Tropical Storm Warning and a Hurricane Watch are posted for the Big Island of Hawaii, and a Tropical Storm Watch continues for Maui.

While rapid strengthening is no longer forecast, Nolo is still anticipated to be a major hurricane on Sunday.

The storm is moving to the north-northeast. It is expected to turn quickly westward on Saturday and remain south of the Hawaiian Islands.

Hurricane Nolo Hurricane Nolo is pushing toward Hawaii in the central Pacific with heavy rains and catastrophic flash flooding now the biggest concerns.

Tropical storm-force winds are likely on the Big Island by late Friday, with hurricane conditions possible at higher elevations.

Rainfall of 10 to 15 inches, with isolated 25-inch amounts, is becoming increasingly likely across the Big Island, potentially producing catastrophic flash flooding.

The island of Maui is now forecast to receive 4 to 6 inches of rain, with isolated amounts of 10 inches possible.

Hurricane Nolo Hurricane Nolo is pushing toward Hawaii in the central Pacific with heavy rains and catastrophic flash flooding now the biggest concerns.

The remainder of the Hawaiian Islands could receive 1 to 6 inches of rain.

Large and powerful swells will push toward southern Hawaii throughout Friday and linger through the weekend.

Hurricane Nolo Hurricane Nolo is pushing toward Hawaii in the central Pacific with heavy rains and catastrophic flash flooding now the biggest concerns.

Nolo is the third tropical system to threaten Hawaii this year.

Lala impacted the Big Island in mid-August, and Lowell severely damaged parts of Kauai in early September.

Stay with Severe Weather Center 9 for the latest on the tropics all season long.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.