Tropical Depression Moke passed south of Hawaii after weakening Sunday evening, bringing continued risks of flooding and mudslides to the Big Island. The National Hurricane Center issued warnings for life-threatening conditions on Monday as the system follows closely after a previous storm.
The storm is the second tropical system to affect the state in a week, following the passage of Hurricane Lala. While Moke is weaker and followed a track roughly 300 miles south and southwest of the Big Island, it is passing over areas already saturated by rainfall from the previous week.
Through late Sunday night, parts of the Big Island recorded over 1 inch of rain. Forecasters expect an additional 3 to 6 inches of rainfall in limited parts of the Big Island and eastern Maui through Monday. Western Maui and the remaining islands are forecast to receive between 1 and 2 inches of rain. A flood watch remains in effect through Monday afternoon.
The impact is also felt in the public sector and tourism industry. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park remains closed indefinitely, affecting both visitors and staff. The park reported it was already without power, internet, or phone lines following Hurricane Lala, and officials stated that many employees are still in the process of personal recovery from the previous storm. The closure affects access to one of the state's major federal land assets and its associated recreational and research activities.
Looking ahead, Moke is forecast to continue weakening as it moves westward away from the islands. The National Hurricane Center expects the system to dissipate by Tuesday, though it could occur sooner. While the immediate threat of Moke is expected to conclude early this week, the restoration of utility services and the reopening of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park do not yet have confirmed dates. Residents remain under a flood watch until Monday afternoon.