Hawaii Braces for Potential Major Hurricane as Recovery Continues
State officials are warning residents to prepare for Tropical Storm Nolo, which is forecast to strengthen into a major hurricane. Governor Josh Green noted that recent disasters have caused over $1 billion in damage and resilience costs. The storm's track remains uncertain, with a hurricane watch in effect for Hawaii County.
The storm’s projected path remains fluid, with forecasters anticipating a sharp northward turn before a westward shift, leaving Hawaii County under a hurricane watch. As of Wednesday evening, Nolo was roughly 295 miles south of South Point, carrying 45 mph winds. Governor Josh Green has ordered closures of state offices, schools, and University of Hawaii facilities on Hawaii island for Thursday and Friday, with Maui County closures following Friday. The judiciary has also suspended operations on those islands, rescheduling all hearings.
This would mark Hawaii’s third hurricane of the year, following Lala in August and Lowell earlier this month. Green cited over $1 billion in combined damage and resilience costs from recent disasters, underscoring the strain on recovery efforts. Residents on Hawaii island have already begun filling sandbags, with crews distributing sand at public locations like Wong Stadium.
This storm could further disrupt recovery efforts already stretched by two prior hurricanes, potentially delaying rebuilding and straining emergency resources. Residents on Hawaii and Maui counties face immediate risks to safety, property, and daily routines, including school and court closures. The uncertainty in the track may also heighten public anxiety and complicate preparedness decisions. Long-term, repeated disasters could pressure state budgets and insurance markets, though the full impact depends on Nolo’s eventual strength and landfall location.