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Hawaii Prepares for Hurricane Nolo as Mexico Faces Polo
Confirmed
In Short: Residents on Hawaii's Big Island brace for potentially life-threatening flooding from Hurricane Nolo, while Mexico deals with Hurricane Polo's storm conditions.
Hurricane Nolo is expected to bring catastrophic flooding and up to 30 inches of rain to Hawaii's Big Island, where residents are preparing for the worst. The storm's maximum sustained winds have increased to 105 mph, making it a Category 2 hurricane.
Michael Brennan, director of the National Hurricane Center, advised residents to seek shelter by Friday night and stay there through Saturday. The storm surge could reach 1 to 3 feet, creating large and dangerous waves and coastal flooding.
Hawaiian Electric, the state's primary utility, is recalling crews from Kauai to Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island to prepare for potential power outages. The National Weather Service warned that Nolo could approach the Big Island on Friday or Saturday.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Polo, a Category 3 storm with top sustained winds of 125 mph, is threatening southwestern Mexico. The storm is expected to skirt Mexico's Guerrero state without making a direct landfall, but it could still bring several inches of rain and life-threatening flooding.
Alicia Contreras, whose restaurant in Mexico was damaged by 15-foot waves, expressed concern about the storm's impact. 'We're worried and trying to protect our businesses,' she said.
In Hawaii, residents are filling sandbags and evacuating homes as floodwaters from Hurricane Nolo begin to recede. Fire Captain Lui Sales of the Hawaii Fire Department is helping residents leave flooded areas.
Peggy McKibbin observed widespread damage from last month's Hurricane Lala, exacerbated by the ongoing threat of Hurricane Nolo. 'That by itself could cause catastrophic flooding, but when you put that on top of grounds that we've been raining off and on for the last couple of months... that rain could cause even more damage,' said Bravender, a local official.
The National Hurricane Center warned that Guerrero could face life-threatening flooding and mudslides from Hurricane Polo, while Hawaii faces the risk of catastrophic flooding and mudslides from Hurricane Nolo.
What this adds
Hurricane Nolo is moving away from the Hawaiian Islands, but there remains a lingering threat of heavy rain and flash flooding.
Background
Hurricane Nolo, also known as Typhoon Nolo, is an active and long-lived tropical cyclone in the western Pacific Ocean. The nineteenth named storm and ninth hurricane of the 2026 Pacific hurricane season, as well as the eleventh typhoon of the 2026 Pacific typhoon season.
What's confirmed
- Hurricane Nolo is expected to bring catastrophic flooding and up to 30 inches of rain to Hawaii's Big Island, where residents are preparing for the worst. The storm's maximum sustained winds have increased to 105 mph, making it a Category 2 hurricane.
- Michael Brennan, director of the National Hurricane Center, advised residents to seek shelter by Friday night and stay there through Saturday. The storm surge could reach 1 to 3 feet, creating large and dangerous waves and coastal flooding.
- Hawaiian Electric, the state's primary utility, is recalling crews from Kauai to Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island to prepare for potential power outages. The National Weather Service warned that Nolo could approach the Big Island on Friday or Saturday.
- Meanwhile, Hurricane Polo, a Category 3 storm with top sustained winds of 125 mph, is threatening southwestern Mexico. The storm is expected to skirt Mexico's Guerrero state without making a direct landfall, but it could still bring several inches of rain and life-threatening flooding.
- Alicia Contreras, whose restaurant in Mexico was damaged by 15-foot waves, expressed concern about the storm's impact. 'We're worried and trying to protect our businesses,' she said.
- In Hawaii, residents are filling sandbags and evacuating homes as floodwaters from Hurricane Nolo begin to recede. Fire Captain Lui Sales of the Hawaii Fire Department is helping residents leave flooded areas.
- Peggy McKibbin observed widespread damage from last month's Hurricane Lala, exacerbated by the ongoing threat of Hurricane Nolo. 'That by itself could cause catastrophic flooding, but when you put that on top of grounds that we've been raining off and on for the last couple of months... that rain could cause even more damage,' said Bravender, a local official.
- The National Hurricane Center warned that Guerrero could face life-threatening flooding and mudslides from Hurricane Polo, while Hawaii faces the risk of catastrophic flooding and mudslides from Hurricane Nolo.
What's still developing
- Heavy rainfall also was possible on Hawaii's other islands, the hurricane center said.
- The hurricane center said Polo gained significant force overnight into Friday morning as it brought storm conditions to parts of the western Mexico coast.
- Farther west, Tropical Storm Nolo was moving toward Hawaii after strengthening in the Pacific.
- The storm was about 295 miles south of South Point on the Big Island and was forecast to become a hurricane by Thursday night.
- Bravender urged residents across Hawaii to prepare in case Nolo's path changes.
- Odalys was about 1,205 miles west-southwest of the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula and was not considered a landfall threat, according to the National Hurricane Center.
- "And of course, we're sad because it's our heritage, our legacy that from one moment to another could be destroyed." Strong waves were already hitting parts of the coast as Polo approached.
- "Today is really the last dry day you have to get ready."
- This satellite image from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows hurricanes and tropical disturbances in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026.
- Kenzielynn Kekoa, center, of Hilo, Hawaii, helps her family fill sand bags as Hurricane Nolo approaches in Hilo, Hawaii, Friday, Sept.
- Members of the Hawaii Army National Guard help a resident leave his home as rainwater from nearby Hurricane Nolo floods a section of Mamalahoa highway Saturday, Sept.
- A lifeguard walks back to his tower after adjusting a beach closure sign as Hurricane Nolo sits nearby Saturday, Sept.