Tropical Depression Fifteen-E Expected to Strengthen into Hurricane Near Hawaii

Tropical Depression Fifteen-E, located several hundred miles southeast of the Hawaiian Islands, is projected to intensify and become a tropical storm later today and a hurricane by tomorrow, at which point it would be named Nolo. The system is expected to follow a west-northwest track, slowing and meandering south of the Big Island on Thursday before resuming its general course early next week. A less likely scenario could bring the storm closer to the Big Island, potentially making landfall before it turns westward again.

Both scenarios pose a risk of heavy rainfall, especially in higher elevations, and flood watches are anticipated. The storm would be the fourth tropical system to affect Hawaii during the 2026 season, following Hurricane Lala, Tropical Storm Moke and Hurricane Lowell, each of which brought rain, wind and flooding to parts of the state.

"The system could bring substantial rainfall to the Big Island, with flood watches expected," a National Weather Service spokesperson said.

Officials are monitoring the situation as the storm moves into an area of reduced wind shear, which has allowed it to reorganize after earlier weakening.