Tropical Storm Moke Threatens Hawaii with Heavy Rain Following Hurricane Lala

Meteorological Tracking and Storm Parameters

As of Sunday morning HST, Moke was positioned approximately 310 miles southeast of Hilo, moving west at 12 to 15 mph with maximum sustained winds of 45 to 50 mph, according to updates from AccuWeather and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 115 miles from the center. While the storm is tracking farther south than Hurricane Lala did, AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva noted that Moke is a larger system with precipitation fields extending hundreds of miles from its low-pressure center.

Forecasters anticipate that Moke will pass a couple of hundred miles south of the Big Island before moving well south of the smaller island chain early in the week. The system is encountering persistent southwesterly vertical wind shear and dry mid-level air, which meteorologists expect to induce gradual weakening as the storm progresses.

Rainfall Projections and Flash Flood Risks on the Big Island

Despite passing south of the islands, Moke poses a severe threat of renewed flooding. The Big Island remains saturated following Hurricane Lala, which dumped up to 43.55 inches of rain in parts of the island between August 14 and 17, pushing Hilo to nearly 1.5 times its historical average August rainfall. Because drainage systems, roads, and hillsides remain damaged or unstable from the previous storm, heavy precipitation from Moke carries an immediate hazard.

According to AccuWeather, a general 4 to 8 inches of rain is forecast for the Big Island, with local totals reaching 8 to 12 inches and an AccuWeather Local StormMax rainfall of 24 inches. Similarly, the Central Pacific Hurricane Center projects 5 to 10 inches of rain, with isolated maximum amounts up to 15 inches in windward areas. A flood watch has been established for the island from midnight through Monday afternoon.

AccuWeather Meteorologist Alyssa Glenny warned that this heavy rainfall can be especially impactful, leading to widespread flash flooding and mudslides, specifically in higher terrain and across areas that received significant flooding from Lala. Eastern Maui could see 3 to 6 inches of rain, while western Maui and other islands may receive 1 to 2 inches.

Winds, Surf Conditions, and State Response Efforts

Wind gusts across the Big Island’s higher terrain and downslope areas are forecast to reach 40 to 60 mph, with an AccuWeather Local StormMax wind gust reaching 85 mph. Swells propagating outward from the storm center will produce large breakers, dangerous surf, strong rip currents, and potential coastal flooding along the southeast and southern shores.

State and local authorities are managing recovery and preparedness simultaneously. Gov. Josh Green’s office stated that state agencies remain ready to respond to Moke and support county emergency response efforts. “Our teams are working on two fronts: helping communities recover from Lala while preparing for Moke,” Governor Green said in a news release reported by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Green added that the state has submitted a request for federal assistance and urged residents to monitor official updates and avoid unnecessary risks.

Managing ongoing disaster recovery and emergency logistics requires coordinated institutional response.

*Disclaimer: The views and cultural analyses presented in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only. Information regarding legal disputes or financial data is based on available public records.*