Nolo strengthened into a hurricane late Thursday, but has since stalled its approach so far this weekend to Hawaii, as an upper-level ridge builds westward toward the state.

However, it is still expected to produce “catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding” for parts of the Big Island that could see up to 35 inches of rain, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

The storm is located 145 miles south of South Point, Hawaii, with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph, making the storm a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson wind scale.

The Big Island is under a Hurricane Watch, as well as a Tropical Storm Warning. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Maui.

Nolo is still nearly stationary, south of the Hawaiian Islands as the storm is expected to produce repeated rounds of rainfall which will fuel a flood threat.

Wind gusts could also exceed 50 mph as the system makes its close approach to Hawaii’s Big Island, the FOX Forecast Center said.

Kenzielynn Kekoa, center, helps her family fill sandbags as Hurricane Nolo sits nearby, on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, in Hilo, Hawaii. AP Photo/Eugene GarciaFOX Weather experts share an update on Hurricane Nolo as the storm becomes stationary, halting its approach to the Hawaiian Islands. Fox WeatherA satellite image shows a strengthening Hurricane Nolo at sea, as it moves towards Hawaii, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. via REUTERS

Rain is already beginning to lash the Big Island and is expected to intensify throughout this weekend.

According to the FOX Forecast Center, widespread rainfall totals of 8 to 12 inches or more are likely, with 18 to 24 inches possible across the island’s eastern side and localized totals exceeding 35 inches.

A familiar threat from Hawaiian tropical systems will also be present: mudslides.

Louie Taasan places sandbags along his driveway as Hurricane Nolo sits nearby, on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, in Hilo, Hawaii. AP Photo/Gregory BullRain is already beginning to lash the Big Island and is expected to intensify throughout this weekend. Fox Weather

Catastrophic, life-threatening flooding and mudslides will be possible, particularly across the Big Island’s steep terrain.

Hawaii, which generally doesn’t see much tropical activity, is seeing impacts from its fourth tropical threat this season.

Hurricane Lala and, more recently, Hurricane Lowell have already impacted the islands, as a strengthening Super El Niño fuels what seems like a nonstop parade of tropical systems across the Pacific.

Catastrophic, life-threatening flooding and mudslides will be possible, particularly across the Big Island’s steep terrain. Fox Weather

With Hawaii still reeling from previous storms, extreme rainfall — particularly in areas already affected by heavy rain this season — could trigger catastrophic flash flooding.

Flood Watches are now in effect for the Big Island, Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe through Saturday.

On the Big Island, storm surge up to 3 feet is also possible, with south-facing shorelines facing a heightened threat based on the storm’s approach.