Hurricane Nolo threatening Hawaii with heavy rain as Polo churns near Mexico

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii (AP) — Residents on Hawaii’s Big Island were bracing Friday for potentially life-threatening and catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Nolo, while Mexico was still under the threat of Hurricane Polo as it headed toward the Baja Peninsula after bringing storm conditions to the southwestern coast. Nolo was about 220 miles (354 kilometers) south of the Big Island on Friday morning and headed northeast, with tropical storm conditions expected to begin on land in the evening, the U.S. Forecasters warned the island could see rainfall totals of 15 to 30 inches (38 to 76 centimeters).

Nolo was expected to become a major hurricane on Saturday. “This rainfall could produce catastrophic life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain,” the hurricane center said. While Nolo was not forecast to directly hit the islands, heavy rainfall also was possible on Hawaii’s other islands, the hurricane center said.

Maui also could see heavy rainfall and potential life-threatening flooding and mudslides, forecasters said. The hurricane’s maximum sustained winds were 85 mph (137 kph) on Friday morning and expected to increase into the weekend. Hawaii prepares as northern edge of Nolo is expected to barrel through Hawaii officials told residents to put together emergency kits and the governor issued an emergency proclamation, activating more than 230 Hawaii National Guard members.

Schools were closed for the rest of the week. The heaviest rain from Nolo is likely to fall over the same southeastern region of the Big Island that was hit in August by Hurricane Lala and where grounds are still wet from additional precipitation. Hawaiian Electric, the state’s primary utility, said crews that had been helping restore power in Kauai after this month’s Hurricane Lowell would return to Oahu, Maui and the Big Island in preparation for the coming storm.

Residents and tourists on the Big Island were busy preparing. “I guess that’d be my concern — whether we’re getting out of here or not, but, you know, as far as the weather goes, it is what it is,” said Daniel Compton, who was visiting from Seattle. Polo is strengthening after returning to Category 5 intensity The hurricane center said Polo gained significant force overnight into Friday morning, when maximum sustained winds were estimated at 290 kph (180 mph).

National Hurricane Center said.Forecasters warned the island could see rainfall totals of 15 to 30 inches (38 to 76 centimeters). Nolo was expected to become a major hurricane on Saturday.“This rainfall could produce catastrophic life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain," the hurricane center said.While Nolo was not forecast to directly hit the islands, heavy rainfall also was possible on Hawaii's other islands, the hurricane center said. Schools were closed for the rest of the week.The heaviest rain from Nolo is likely to fall over the same southeastern region of the Big Island that was hit in August by Hurricane Lala and where grounds are still wet from additional precipitation.Hawaiian Electric, the state’s primary utility, said crews that had been helping restore power in Kauai after this month’s Hurricane Lowell would return to Oahu, Maui and the Big Island in preparation for the coming storm.Residents and tourists on the Big Island were busy preparing.“I guess that’d be my concern — whether we’re getting out of here or not, but, you know, as far as the weather goes, it is what it is," said Daniel Compton, who was visiting from Seattle.Polo is strengthening after returning to Category 5 intensityThe hurricane center said Polo gained significant force overnight into Friday morning, when maximum sustained winds were estimated at 290 kph (180 mph).