Tropical Storm Nolo is moving toward Hawaii and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it approaches the Big Island. Heavy rain, strong winds, dangerous surf and flooding are possible beginning Thursday and continuing through the weekend. The American Red Cross urges people across Hawaii to prepare now, pay attention to the storm and follow any instructions from local officials. 

Nolo is currently about 285 miles south of South Point, Hawaii, with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph, and a Hurricane Watch is in effect for Hawaii County. Forecasters expect Nolo to become a hurricane late Thursday and approach the Big Island Friday into Saturday. 

The storm could bring 15 to 20 inches of rain across the Big Island, with isolated totals as high as 35 inches. Maui could receive 5 to 10 inches, with locally higher amounts. This heavy rain could produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas of steep terrain. Dangerous waves and coastal flooding are also possible, and storm surge of 1 to 3 feet is forecast for Hawaii County. 

The Red Cross is closely monitoring the storm, coordinating with local officials and partners as communities prepare for possible impacts and has deployed nearly 100 disaster responders to the island ahead of the storm. People in the path of Nolo should make sure they have an emergency plan, gather essential supplies and be ready to evacuate if instructed to do so.

DURING THE STORM, be prepared to evacuate immediately if local officials advise. Bring your go-kit and pets. Don’t return home until officials say it is safe.

• Follow evacuation routes and don’t try to take shortcuts because they may be blocked.
• Don’t walk, swim or drive through floodwaters. Turn around, don’t drown!
• If officials don’t recommend evacuating, take shelter in an interior room. Stay away from glass windows and doors.
• Move to higher ground before flooding begins.
• Stay away from beaches and shorelines where large, dangerous waves are possible.

DON’T FORGET TO download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.