Tropical Storm Moke is forecast to pass south of Hawaii starting late Saturday night, threatening to bring heavy rainfall to areas recently damaged by Hurricane Lala. The National Hurricane Center reported that Moke was located approximately 450 to 650 miles southeast of the Big Island as of Saturday, August 22. While the storm is expected to be weaker than its predecessor and track roughly 200 miles south of the Big Island, forecasters warned that the saturated ground could lead to significant flooding and mudslides.
The new system arrives less than a week after Hurricane Lala caused widespread destruction across the islands. During that storm, the eyewall brushed the southern coast of the Big Island, resulting in over 3.5 feet of rain in mountainous areas. Hawaii Governor Josh Green reported that more than 100 homes were lost to Lala, and one death has been confirmed by the Hawaii Police Department, with a second suspected storm-related death under investigation.
Forecasters expect Moke to drop 5 to 10 inches of rain on the Big Island, with up to 15 inches possible on eastern and central slopes. Maui and other islands are projected to receive 1 to 4 inches. In response to the forecast, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park announced it would close at 5 p.m. Friday, noting that the park remains without power, internet, or phone service following the previous hurricane.
For individual households, the immediate impact will be felt through renewed threats of flash flooding and landslides starting late Saturday night and continuing through Tuesday. National Weather Service meteorologist John Bravender advised residents in flood-prone areas to consider early evacuation to stay with friends or family. State officials, including Major General Stephen Logan, stated that resources such as hotel rooms and emergency supplies are being staged, while engineers monitor the Wahiawa Dam, which saw water levels rise more than 20 feet during the last storm.
The storm’s passage will likely stall efforts to rebuild washed-out roads and restore power grids that were damaged just days ago. Because the infrastructure is already weakened, officials warned that even lower rainfall totals from a weaker storm could trigger life-threatening conditions. Further updates on the storm's exact track depend on whether the system strengthens, as a stronger storm would likely pull closer to the islands, while a weaker one would stay farther offshore.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park remains closed as of Friday evening. Rainfall is expected to begin on the Big Island late Saturday night or early Sunday, spreading to Maui and other islands by Monday. State officials continue to monitor water levels and recovery efforts as the weather system approaches.