Hurricane Nolo gains speed as it moves away from Hawaii, but high winds, flash floods are still risk

Nolo was expected to continue strengthening and turn toward the northwest by Sunday night, though the National Hurricane Center said the center of the storm would remain well south and southwest of the Hawaiian Islands. HILO, Hawaii (AP) — Hurricane Nolo was moving away from the Hawaiian Islands on Sunday, but the threat of heavy rains, flash flooding and strong winds persisted in areas recovering from previous storms. By early Sunday, Nolo was about 260 miles (418 kilometers) southwest of Hawaii’s southernmost point and was moving away from the Big Island at a speed of about 12 mph (19 kph).

Still, the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency said a high wind warning, wind advisory and high surf advisory remained in effect for parts of the island through Sunday evening, as the storm’s maximum sustained winds increased to near 105 mph (165 kph). The storm was expected to approach the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, a national conservation area, early this week. Forecasters said Nolo’s outer bands could cause life-threatening flooding and mudslides, with parts of the Big Island expected to see rainfall totals up to 20 inches (51 centimeters).

Heavy rain also was expected on the other islands. “Don’t venture out if you don’t have to into the dangerous flooding environment, but also high winds. We can have trees and power lines down,” said Michael Brennan, director of the National Hurricane Center.

Heavy rain fell across the southern part of the Big Island on Saturday afternoon, leading to partial closures of one of the main highways connecting Kailua-Kona in the west to Hilo in the east. Near the community of Naalehu on the island’s southern point, National Guard members were seen guiding a man who was driving across flooded streets as he tried to leave his home in the heavy downpour. More than 120 guard members were activated on the island, part of roughly 400 statewide after the governor issued an emergency proclamation.

Residents are still recovering from Hurricane Lala, which produced heavy rain and winds strong enough to sweep about 100 homes off their foundations on the Big Island. Hawaii prepares for northern edge of Nolo About a dozen people were in the water Saturday morning at Carlsmith Beach Park in Hilo on the Big Island, despite signs saying the strand was closed. Andrea Gill was out for her regular swim before heading back home to hunker d…

Heavy rain also was expected on the other islands.“Don’t venture out if you don’t have to into the dangerous flooding environment, but also high winds.