Hurricane Nolo gains speed as it moves away from Hawaii, but high winds, flash floods are still risk

Hurricane Nolo was moving away from the Hawaiian Islands on Sunday, but the threat of heavy rains, flash flooding and strong winds persisted in areas recovering from previous storms.

Warning areas and potential impact

By early Sunday, Nolo was about 260 miles (418 kilometers) southwest of Hawaii's southernmost point and was moving away from the Big Island at a speed of about 12 mph (19 kph).

Still, the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency said a high wind warning, wind advisory and high surf advisory remained in effect for parts of the island through Sunday evening, as the storm's maximum sustained winds increased to near 105 mph (165 kph).

Nolo was expected to continue strengthening and turn toward the northwest by Sunday night, though the National Hurricane Center said the center of the storm would remain well south and southwest of the Hawaiian Islands.

The storm was expected to approach the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, a national conservation area, early this week.

Heavy rain also was expected on the other islands.

Official warning details

Forecasters said Nolo's outer bands could cause life-threatening flooding and mudslides, with parts of the Big Island expected to see rainfall totals up to 20 inches (51 centimeters).