Tropical Storm Nolo Strengthens, Hawaii County Under Hurricane Watch

Tropical Storm Nolo has strengthened and is expected to become a hurricane on Thursday, potentially reaching major hurricane status by the weekend. A Hurricane Watch has been issued for Hawaii County, indicating hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours, with winds of 74 to 100 mph expected starting Friday night. The storm is forecast to approach Hawaii Island Friday into Saturday, bringing 15 to 20 inches of rain, with maximum amounts up to 35 inches, which could cause catastrophic flooding and mudslides. Maui County also issued a flood watch, with 8 to 15 inches of rain possible for East Maui.