Bay Area residents check on family as Nolo nears Hawaii, islands' 3rd major storm in 2 months

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- As Hurricane Nolo approaches Hawaii, Bay Area residents with family and friends on the islands are closely monitoring conditions and checking in with loved ones, particularly those on the Big Island.

Forecasters have warned that portions of the Big Island, including Hilo and surrounding communities, could receive significant rainfall as questions remain about whether the storm will make a direct landfall.

Eric Tao, president of the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce of Northern California, said his mother lives in Hilo, where residents and work crews have been preparing for the storm.

"My family lives in Hilo," Tao said.

Crews have been shoring up flood channels, roads and other areas in an effort to reduce flooding risks. Utility crews have also been preparing for potential power outages. Tao said his family lost power for several days during Hurricane Lala.

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"My mom never bought a battery charger before. She bought a battery charger. She bought flashlights," he said. "I said the most important thing to do is to remember to charge your hearing aide."

Tao said he has remained in contact with his mother as conditions evolve.

"Oh I just sent you a text," his mother said on the phone with Tao Saturday afternoon.

After speaking with her, he said conditions in Hilo appeared less severe than they were during the previous hurricane.

"In Hilo, there's much less rain and weather than in Lala," Tao said.

Still, Tao said the recent number of storms affecting Hawaii concerns him.

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"This 3 in 2 months. I've never seen this chain of hurricanes coming together all at once before. This is unprecedented. Obviously, global warming is real," he said.

At Hawaii West, a longtime North Beach bar with ties to Hawaii, owner Nolan Kellett said he also has family on the islands.

"My grandma opened it in the 1960s (as Aloha Cafe). My parents took it over and called it Hawaii West in 1969," Kellett said. "I have a couple of aunties in Honolulu."

Kellett said he had not yet connected with family members about the latest storm conditions, but expressed concern about the possibility of flooding, mudslides and storm damage.

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"That's devastating. Always pray for people in Hawaii," he said.

On the Big Island, Tao said residents have been stocking up on food and supplies and preparing for severe weather. Despite concerns, he said his family has experienced only limited power outages so far.

"I think we're blessed that that's all we had," Tao said. During Hurricane Lala, authorities warned of flash flooding and mudslides in parts of Hawaii.

Tao said some friends had family members whose homes suffered severe damage during that storm. As Hurricane Nolo approaches, Bay Area residents with ties to Hawaii say they are hoping for the best while staying in close contact with loved ones across the islands.