Hurricane watch issued for Big Island

People on Hawaii's Big Island are under a hurricane watch Friday afternoon as Hurricane Nolo moves toward the Hawaiian archipelago. Hurricane conditions are possible within twenty-four to thirty-six hours.

Nolo will avoid landfall but bring extreme rain

Hurricane Nolo is not expected to make landfall this weekend, but forecasters warn of two dangerous qualities: slow movement and heavy rain. Maximum rainfall could top two feet in some areas.

Storm will strengthen to Category 4

As of Friday afternoon, Nolo had maximum sustained winds of one hundred five miles per hour, making it a Category two storm. Over the next seventy-two hours, winds could top one hundred forty miles per hour, making it a Category four.

Nolo's path has been unpredictable

Nolo's path over the water has been prone to sudden shifts. Earlier this week it was heading west across open ocean when it took an abrupt right-hand turn, sending it north directly toward the Big Island.

Hawaii already battered by recent disasters

Nolo arrives weeks after Hawaii endured multiple disasters. In March, a Kona low caused the worst flooding in over two decades. In May, a six point zero magnitude earthquake struck the Big Island. In August, Hurricane Lala hit multiple islands.

Governor warns of billion-dollar recovery costs

Hawaii Governor Josh Green said four major disasters have damaged or destroyed about one thousand two hundred ninety homes. He estimated recovery efforts will cost roughly one billion dollars prior to Nolo.

“We will pursue every available federal resource, use insurance and state funding responsibly and work with the Legislature to protect our people and prepare Hawaiʻi for what comes next.”

Nolo regenerated after forecasters gave up on it

Last week, forecasters declared Nolo was dissipating and would not merit further updates unless it regenerated. Days ago, the National Hurricane Center renewed issuing advisories and warned it could strengthen quickly, which it did.