HONOLULU — Tropical Storm Moke was moving near Hawaii on Sunday, bringing heavy rain to Big Island communities following Hurricane Lala. The storm’s center was located approximately 320 miles (515 kilometers) south-southwest of Hilo around midday by the National Hurricane Center. Moke’s winds reached 40 mph (65 kph), but the major concern was the expected rainfall in areas previously flooded by the hurricane, which also caused mudslides and damaged roads and power lines.
Two fatalities connected to the hurricane were reported in Hawaii. Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda advised residents through social media to “stay off the roads and shelter in place” for safety. He indicated that shelters were available at several locations for those needing refuge.
Forecast and Precautions
Forecasters predicted up to 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain on the Big Island, and isolated areas could see as much as 15 inches (38 centimeters), potentially leading to dangerous flooding and mudslides, particularly on windward and southeast slopes. These risks are heightened in steep terrain and regions impacted by Lala. Moke’s trajectory was expected to keep the center south of the Big Island before moving past the smaller main islands.
Eastern Maui was projected to receive up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) of rain, while other islands might experience one to two inches (between 2.5 and 5 centimeters), as stated by the hurricane center.
An uprooted tree along Hawaii Belt Road highlighted the aftermath of Hurricane Lala near Pahala, Hawaii, captured in an image from Aug. 16 by Stephen Lam / San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images.
Similar to Hurricane Lala, the Big Island was anticipated to face the storm’s heaviest rain and wind as Moke proceeded westward, staying south of the island chain. After departing the islands, Lala, downgraded to a strong tropical storm, continued in the Central Pacific.
The Big Island’s northeast coast witnessed the greatest rainfall from Lala, reaching 43.54 inches (1.1 meters), according to the weather service.
Governor’s Advice and Power Issues
Anticipating Moke’s arrival, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green advised residents to stock up on food, medicine, and other essentials. Over 6,500 customers in the county were still without power due to Lala, according to poweroutage.us.
Developments in Eastern Pacific
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Iselle formed in the eastern Pacific on Sunday and was strengthening, located far from Mexico’s southwest coast. Iselle’s winds reached 50 mph (85 kph) on Sunday afternoon, positioned about 535 miles (860 kilometers) southwest of the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. No warnings were issued for Iselle as it moved northwest at 16 mph (26 kph). The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami suggested Iselle might become a hurricane soon, generating strong ocean swells on Baja’s western coastline starting Monday.
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