Heavy rain and dangerous surf are impacting the Hawaiian Islands as the latest tropical system enters the region. Hurricane Nolo has strengthened into a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of approximately 145 mph, though its center remains offshore and no landfall has occurred. Strong winds are also expected to carry tephra, or volcanic hail, from the Kĩlauea volcano, which could block roads and contaminate rainwater catchment systems.

The storm arrives six weeks after Hurricane Lala caused major flooding and damage across the islands. The National Hurricane Center had previously forecasted that the system, which passed through Category 1 and 2 intensities, would dump between 15 and 35 inches of rain on the Big Island, creating risks of life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.