A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Hawaii County as Tropical Storm Nolo continues to strengthen, with forecasters warning it could reach major hurricane status before making its closest pass south of the Big Island this weekend.

State officials and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center report that Nolo could dump between 15 to 20 inches of rainfall over Hawaii Island, with isolated areas seeing up to 35 inches. The catastrophic rainfall poses a significant threat of life-threatening flash floods, mudslides, and dangerous coastal storm surges. In response, Governor Josh Green announced emergency preparations, including office and school closures across Hawaii Island and Maui County, as well as the opening of public emergency shelters. Residents across the state are urged to finalize their emergency plans as wind and torrential rain begin impacting local communities.