Hurricane Nolo continues westward as heavy rain and dangerous surf affect Hawaii

Hurricane Nolo continues to move slowly westward south of the Hawaiian Islands, with strong winds, heavy rain and dangerous surf affecting portions of the state.

As of 2 p.m. HST Saturday, Nolo is located about 260 km south-southwest of South Point on the Big Island.

The hurricane has maximum sustained winds of 150 km/h, with higher gusts, and is moving west at about 7 km/h. Its minimum central pressure is 972 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Hawaii County, while a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Maui County.

Nolo expected to strengthen

Nolo is forecast to accelerate westward through the weekend before turning toward the northwest and north-northwest Monday and Tuesday.

The centre of the hurricane is expected to remain well south and southwest of the main Hawaiian Islands.

Nolo is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane Sunday, with peak intensity forecast by early Monday. Gradual weakening is expected afterward.

Heavy rain and flooding threat

The eastern and southern portions of the Big Island are expected to receive another 3 to 6 inches of rain, bringing storm totals to 10 to 20 inches, with isolated amounts up to 25 inches.

The rainfall could produce significant and potentially life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in steep terrain.

Western portions of the Big Island could receive another 1 to 2 inches of rain, while eastern Maui could receive another 1 to 2 inches, bringing storm totals there to 4 to 8 inches.

Life-threatening flooding and mudslides are also possible on Maui, particularly in higher elevations.

Across the remainder of the Hawaiian Islands, storm-total rainfall of up to 1 to 3 inches is expected.

Dangerous surf continues

The threat of significant storm surge has diminished, but coastal water levels are expected to remain elevated through upcoming tide cycles because of persistent dangerous wave action.

Swells generated by Nolo are affecting exposed east- and south-facing shores of the Big Island and are expected to spread westward and build through the weekend.

The swells could produce life-threatening surf and rip-current conditions.