Hilo, Hawaii — A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the entire Big Island of Hawaii through tonight as Hurricane Nolo closes in from the south. The warning covers all eight of the island's forecast zones — the southeast, Kona, south, interior, summit, Kohala, east, and north sides — and runs until 11:15 PM Hawaii time. A Hurricane Watch remains in effect for the island as well.

What is happening: Hurricane Nolo is passing south of the Big Island and moving north-northeast, and its northern flank is already pushing tropical-storm conditions toward Hawaii. The National Weather Service expects tropical-storm-force winds to reach parts of the island this evening, with the wind window stretching into Sunday for some areas. The heaviest impacts are forecast on the southern and southeastern sides of the island.

Local impacts: Forecasters expect sustained winds of 40 to 50 mph with gusts up to 75 mph in the southern zone around Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, and 30 to 40 mph gusts to 55 mph on the southeast side near Naalehu and Pahala. The Kohala and north side can see 35 to 45 mph with gusts to 60 to 70 mph, while Hilo and the east side stay breezier at 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph. Flooding rain is the bigger threat: an additional 4 to 8 inches of rain is expected on the island, with higher totals in steep terrain. A Flood Watch covers the Big Island, and localized storm surge of 1 to 3 feet is possible along exposed shores.

What to do:

- Shelter in a sturdy building now, before the wind becomes hazardous.

- Secure loose outdoor items and bring in anything the wind can turn into a projectile.

- Never drive through flooded roads — most flood deaths happen in vehicles.

- Stay out of the ocean and off east and south-facing beaches; surf and rip currents will be life-threatening.

*Source: National Weather Service, Honolulu, Hawaii. Warning issued September 25, 2026; storm context from the National Hurricane Center. Reported by TNW News.*