Hurricane Nolo strengthens again over the Pacific, forecasters warn of rapid intensification
Tropical Storm Nolo regained hurricane strength west of the Hawaiian archipelago, with forecasters warning that it could intensify rapidly. The storm was expected to pass through a remote protected Pacific area, while officials maintained warnings for dangerous winds, surf and possible flooding in regions still recovering from earlier storms.
Tropical Storm Nolo strengthened into a hurricane again on Friday over the Pacific Ocean, the US National Hurricane Center said. The storm was located about 105 miles (165 kilometres) west-south-west of French Frigate Shoals and was moving west at about 6 mph (9 kph). Nolo had maximum sustained winds of roughly 75 mph (120 kph), according to the Miami-based hurricane centre.
Forecasters said rapid intensification was possible over the following day or so. The storm was forecast to move through the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, a remote federally protected area containing islands, atolls, seamounts, shoals and coral reefs. Its projected path was expected to remain south of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
A tropical storm warning was in effect for the monument from French Frigate Shoals to Lisianski Island, including Maro Reef. Nolo had earlier skirted the Hawaiian Islands at hurricane strength. A hurricane watch was later cancelled, but officials said the system could still bring flash flooding, dangerous winds and extreme surf to areas affected by previous storms.
Hawaii officials had urged residents to prepare emergency kits, and the governor issued an emergency proclamation that activated more than 230 National Guard members. President Donald Trump had also approved an emergency declaration the previous week, allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate assistance and provide financial support. The preparations came as residents continued to recover from Hurricane Lala, which passed near Hawaii without making landfall in August.
That storm brought heavy rain and winds that were strong enough to sweep about 100 homes from their foundations on the Big Island. Elsewhere in the Pacific, Hurricane Rachel was moving slowly off western Mexico. It was expected to continue generally westward away from land and remain a hurricane into the beginning of the following week.
Northern Mexico and parts of the US Southwest had recently experienced flooding and damage from the remnants of Hurricane Polo.
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