Hawaii Declared Emergency Ahead of Tropical Storm
The Governor issued an emergency proclamation as a developing tropical system approaches the islands.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Forecasts
Live Poll
Do you feel your local community is sufficiently prepared for an impending major hurricane?
Hawaii has officially declared a state of emergency to prepare for an approaching weather system currently less than 400 miles from the Big Island. The National Hurricane Center has issued a tropical storm warning as the storm moves toward the state.
Why it matters
The storm poses an imminent danger to the Hawaiian islands, necessitating immediate state-level mobilization to protect residents from high winds and potential flooding. Projections indicate the system could rapidly intensify over the coming days.
Tropical Depression Fifteen-E is currently situated less than 400 miles from the Big Island with sustained winds expected to reach between 40 and 80mph. Forecasters predict the system will intensify into a Category 2 hurricane by Thursday.
The players
Governor of Hawaii
The state official responsible for declaring the emergency and coordinating the mobilization of government resources.
National Hurricane Center
The federal agency tasked with tracking tropical cyclones and issuing official weather warnings for the public.
The details
The state of emergency was declared after the formation of Tropical Depression Fifteen-E, which is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Nolo by Wednesday night. Officials are bracing for significant weather impacts, including intense rainfall totals reaching up to 18 inches in some areas.
Timeline
September 23, 2026: Tropical depression formed and rain expected to begin.
Wednesday night: System expected to become Tropical Storm Nolo.
Thursday: System expected to reach hurricane status.
Seasonal Patterns
This emergency declaration follows the established protocols of the 2026 National Hurricane Center tropical storm warning guidelines. It reflects the standard rapid-response framework triggered when developing systems approach populated island chains.
Residents should prepare for wind speeds between 40 and 80mph and significant rainfall. Please monitor local emergency channels for evacuation notices and secure all outdoor items that could become airborne.
The takeaway
Tropical systems require immediate preparation regardless of their current distance from land. Residents in the path of the storm should prioritize gathering emergency supplies and staying informed through official state channels.
Further reading
Find the latest updates and track the storm path at Hawaii forecasts.
Live Poll
Do you feel your local community is sufficiently prepared for an impending major hurricane?
