Tropical Storm Moke has developed southeast of Hawaii and is forecast to bring 5 to 15 inches of rainfall to the Big Island starting Saturday night, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The system, currently packing 45 mph winds, is expected to move south of the island chain, with impacts beginning late Saturday and continuing through early Tuesday. Forecasters warn of life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas still recovering from Hurricane Lala.
Immediate impacts and warnings
The Big Island is under a flood watch from late Saturday night through Monday afternoon, with the National Weather Service in Honolulu cautioning that flash flooding is possible as tropical moisture moves across windward and southeastern sections. Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches—with up to 5 inches in some areas—are expected across the remaining Hawaiian Islands. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has not issued tropical storm watches or warnings as of Friday morning, but residents are urged to monitor updates closely.
Path and comparison to Hurricane Lala
Moke is forecast to follow a trajectory broadly similar to Hurricane Lala, which caused significant damage last weekend. However, current models suggest Moke will remain farther south, reducing the likelihood of a direct landfall. The storm’s development while Lala remains active in the region underscores an unusually active stretch for Central Pacific tropical systems. Forecasters note that saturated soils from recent storms heighten the risk of flooding and mudslides.
Recovery efforts underway
Hurricane Lala, which passed south of the Big Island as a Category 1 hurricane, damaged or destroyed more than 100 homes and cut off some communities, according to the governor. The storm dumped over a foot of rain in parts of the state, with the highest elevations receiving 43.54 inches (1.1 meters). Cleanup efforts are ongoing as residents prepare for Moke’s arrival, with officials emphasizing the need for caution in steep terrain and previously affected areas.
Meteorological context
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Honolulu has highlighted that while Moke is expected to be weaker than Lala, the Big Island will bear the brunt of the impacts. Meteorologist Casey Oswant noted that while wind impacts may be more limited than Lala’s, the windward and southeast sides of the Big Island will still face significant challenges. The storm is projected to move west across the islands through early Tuesday, with coastal hazards and heavy surf also expected.