Hurricane Nolo strengthens to Category 4 south of Hawaii

Swells to bring life-threatening surf to south-facing shores

Hurricane Nolo strengthened Sunday into a Category 4 storm as it tracked south of the Hawaiian Islands, the National Hurricane Center said.

In its 5 p.m. HST update, the NHC placed the storm’s eye about 655 miles southeast of French Frigate Shoals and 380 miles south-southwest of Honolulu. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 145 mph and was moving west at 12 mph.

Forecasters said Nolo was expected to strengthen further over the next day or so.

“On the forecast track, the center of Nolo will remain well south and southwest of the main Hawaiian Islands but will approach the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument on Tuesday,” the NHC said.

No watches or warnings were in effect on land.

The Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument is the protected area the storm’s center is forecast to approach on Tuesday, according to the NHC’s Sunday update.

Beyond the storm’s track, the NHC warned of indirect coastal impacts. Swells generated by Nolo are expected to affect south-facing shores of the main Hawaiian Islands through the next few days, the forecasters said.

The agency said the swells would cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions along those shores.