Catastrophic damage feared as Hurricane Nolo is set to unleash several FEET of rain on Hawaii

Hurricane Nolo is expected to cause 'catastrophic flooding' as the life-threatening storm nears the Hawaiian islands and over one million Americans this weekend.A state of emergency has already been issued in Hawaii and forecasters now believe the strengthening hurricane could bring historic levels of rainfall, particularly across the Big Island (also known as Hawaii Island).AccuWeather forecasters warned that the week-long deluge could dump as much as 55 inches of rain on the Big Island - just under five feet of precipitation.If that prediction is correct, Nolo would be the second wettest hurricane in Hawaii's history, falling just behind Hurricane Lane's 58 inches in 2018.The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in a statement: 'Life-threatening, catastrophic flooding and mudslides are possible, especially in areas of steep terrain across the eastern and southern portions of the Big Island and Maui.'Local officials on the islands have also urged residents and tourists to be prepared to evacuate flood-prone areas as the hurricane makes its closest approach.Although Nolo is not projected to make landfall, AccuWeather has projected that at least two to four inches of rain will fall across the entire island chain. The hurricane is currently about 140 miles from Hawaii.Both Maui and the Big Island are also expected to be struck by dangerous and sustained wind gusts reaching between 60 and 80 mph through Monday. Hurricane Nolo is expected to become a Category 4 hurricane this weekend with winds over 130 mph Residents in Hawaii began preparing for potentially catastrophic flooding this weekNolo erupted into a tropical storm on Wednesday less than 400 miles south of the Hawaiian islands and has been slowly gaining strength throughout the week.AccuWeather and NHC have both warned that Nolo will likely reach major hurricane status by Saturday afternoon, growing into a Category 3 storm with sustained winds exceeding 111 mph.Saturday is expected to be the peak of the threat for Hawaii, as the hurricane makes its closest approach to land.The worst of the rain and possible hurricane-force winds are expected to hit the exposed slopes of the Big Island's eastern side. Forecasts have predicted that this side of the island will see at least two feet of rain.Maui, a major tourist destination just 30 miles to the west of the Big Island, will also see increasing rain and possible tropical storm conditions on Saturday, as winds range between 40 and 60 mph.Mayor Richard Bissen of Maui County said in a statement: 'During this above-normal hurricane season, recent storms remind us that we cannot afford to be complacent.''Our top priority is the safety of our community. Now is the time for all of us to review household emergency plans, check supplies and make sure you can receive important alerts and information.'National Weather Service officials in Honolulu warned: 'Leave immediately if evacuation orders are given for your area.' Hurricane Lala caused at least two deaths and billions of dollars in damage from flooding and mudslides in August Forecasters have warned that more than three feet of rain could fall on Hawaii's Big Island A prediction of 55 inches of rain by AccuWeather would make Hurricane Nolo the second wettest hurricane in Hawaii's historyHawaii's Big Island is home to more than 200,000 people, and the island is still recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricanes Lala and Lowell this summer.The storm destroyed over 100 homes, damaged hundreds more and killed at least five people across the state, with the heaviest damage occurring on the Big Island during Lala's approach on August 15.Downpours, flooding and mudslides, similar to what is expected during Nolo, led to more than 100 homes on the Big Island being washed away during the August hurricane.Hurricane Lowell struck the opposite end of the island chain in September, causing widespread power outages and property damage on the islands of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau.Emergency shelters have been opened on the Big Island ahead of the hurricane's arrival.Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda said in a statement: 'If your home flooded before, or is at risk, consider moving to safer shelter before the full force of the storm hits. Because the ground remains saturated, flooding may happen rapidly.'By Sunday, Nolo is expected to start moving away from Hawaii, although the hurricane will likely continue strengthening, growing into a Category 4 storm with winds surpassing 130 mph. Rain and flooding will likely continue before gradually easing heading into the new week.