Honolulu, Hawaii — The President has approved a pre-landfall emergency declaration for Hawaii as Hurricane Nolo closes in on the Big Island, unlocking federal help for protective measures before conditions deteriorate.

**What is happening:**

The White House granted the declaration Friday, September 25, 2026, for what federal records list as Tropical Cyclone 15E — Tropical Storm Nolo. FEMA recorded the action as declaration number 3654, an Emergency declaration for the State of Hawaii. Federal assistance now covers emergency protective measures in the City and County of Honolulu and the counties of Hawaiʻi, Maui, and Kauaʻi, at a 75 percent federal cost share, including direct federal assistance under Public Assistance Category B.

**Local impacts:**

Nolo strengthened into a hurricane Friday with sustained winds of about 105 miles per hour, sitting roughly 145 to 200 miles south of Hawaiʻi's Big Island. Forecasters expect it to reach Category 3 strength tonight as it makes its closest pass Saturday. A Hurricane Watch and Tropical Storm Warning cover Hawaiʻi County, while a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Maui County. Parts of the Big Island could see 15 inches of rain, with isolated totals up to 25 inches, raising the threat of catastrophic flash flooding and mudslides on ground still saturated from earlier storms. Dangerous surf, coastal flooding of one to three feet above ground, and hurricane-force wind gusts are all on the table through the weekend.

**What to do:**

- Take the storm seriously now, not when conditions arrive — follow instructions from county emergency managers.

- Review your emergency plan and check that supplies are stocked for several days without power.

- If you live in a flood-prone area or your home flooded before, move to safer shelter before the worst of the rain.

- Stay away from the shoreline — surf and rip currents will be life-threatening.

- Keep following official storm updates; track and forecasts can shift.

*Source: FEMA / The White House. Declared September 25, 2026. Reported by TNW News.*