The short version
- Tropical Storm Moke is expected to pass south of Hawaii late Saturday, bringing 5-10 inches of rain to the Big Island.
- The National Weather Service warns of life-threatening flooding and mudslides in areas already saturated by Hurricane Lala.
- Governor Josh Green reports $43 million in infrastructure damage from the previous storm and urges residents to restock essentials.
Tropical Storm Moke is advancing toward Hawaii, poised to deliver another round of heavy rains and strong winds to islands still reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Lala. Forecasters predict the storm will make its closest approach late Saturday evening, passing south of a direct hit before continuing its westward path near the archipelago through early Tuesday. The Big Island is expected to bear the brunt of the impacts, particularly on its windward and southeastern sides.
Casey Oswant, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Honolulu, indicated that while Moke’s effects will be significant, they are likely to be more limited than those experienced during Hurricane Lala. Despite this relative moderation, the precipitation totals remain concerning. Rainfall predictions for the weekend range from 5 to 10 inches across the southeast and windward regions of the Big Island, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 15 inches. Other parts of the island chain are expected to see between 1 and 2 inches, though east Maui could encounter up to 4 inches.
The primary danger lies in the condition of the ground. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings that the incoming rainfall poses a risk for dangerous rip currents, life-threatening flooding, and mudslides. These hazards are exacerbated in steep areas and locations where soil remains saturated from the previous storm. The northeast coast of the Big Island recorded 43.54 inches of rain during Lala, leaving the terrain vulnerable to further erosion and instability.
State officials have moved quickly to address the compounding crisis. Hawaii Governor Josh Green and other leaders held a news conference ahead of Moke’s arrival, urging residents to prepare by restocking food, medicine, and other essential supplies. In a video address on Saturday, Green highlighted the extensive damage already incurred, noting at least $43 million in infrastructure damage on the Big Island and an additional $4.6 million in residential property damage resulting from Hurricane Lala.
Green acknowledged that the recovery process will be prolonged and complex. He stated that there would be much more damage to account for following Moke, but assured the public that state resources would be deployed to aid in recovery efforts. The governor’s comments underscore the strain on local infrastructure and emergency services as they manage two consecutive severe weather events within a short timeframe.
Residents on the ground are expressing anxiety about the prospect of further flooding. Tiffany Edwards Hunt, a teacher living in Keaau on the east side of the Big Island, described a palpable tension in her community. She noted that floodwaters from Lala had turned streets into rivers, raising fears that Moke could worsen the situation for neighborhoods already dealing with mud-covered roads and downed trees.
As of early Saturday morning, no coastal watches or warnings were in effect, but authorities emphasized the need for close monitoring of the storm’s progress. The National Hurricane Center advised that the combination of heavy rain and saturated ground creates a volatile environment, particularly for those living in areas previously struck by Lala’s intense winds and precipitation.
The logistical challenges are compounded by ongoing power outages. Approximately 9,000 customers on the Big Island remained without electricity as cleanup operations began following Hurricane Lala. The new storm threatens to disrupt these efforts further, potentially delaying restoration services and complicating access to affected areas for emergency responders.
While Moke is not expected to match the intensity of Lala, its timing presents a significant obstacle to recovery. The cumulative impact of back-to-back storms could deepen the humanitarian and economic toll on Hawaii’s residents. Officials continue to stress preparedness, urging citizens to stay informed and take necessary precautions as the storm system moves closer.
The situation remains fluid, with meteorologists tracking Moke’s trajectory and intensity updates. As the storm approaches, the focus shifts from immediate survival to long-term resilience, highlighting the vulnerability of island communities to consecutive extreme weather events in an era of increasing climate volatility.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗Tropical Storm Moke poised to slam into Hawaii just days after Hurricane Lala
- PBS NewsHour↗Tropical Storm Moke advances toward Hawaii as winds strengthen
- PBS↗Tropical Storm Moke advances toward Hawaii as winds strengthen
