Tropical Storm Moke is approaching Hawaii, threatening to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the Big Island. This comes as residents are still recovering from the impact of Hurricane Lala, which recently caused significant flooding and wind damage.
The storm, which formed in the Pacific Ocean, was positioned about 470 miles southeast of Hilo early Saturday morning. Moving at a speed of 12 mph, it carries maximum sustained winds of around 50 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Big Island is expected to experience Moke’s strongest effects as the storm passes south on Saturday night into early Sunday. Although the island may not face impacts as severe as those from Hurricane Lala, challenges remain, especially on the windward and southeast sides of the island, stated Casey Oswant from the National Weather Service in Honolulu.
Hurricane Lala previously left substantial damage in its wake, leading to fallen trees, structural damages, and mud-covered roads. One fatality resulted from the storm, highlighting the serious risks involved.
Forecasts predict that this weekend’s rainfall on the southeast and windward areas of the Big Island will range from 5 to 10 inches, with isolated areas receiving up to 15 inches. For the rest of the island chain, expected rainfall is 1 to 2 inches, though eastern Maui might see up to 4 inches.
No coastal watches or warnings were issued early Saturday. However, authorities urge residents to monitor the storm closely as conditions like rip currents, flooding, and mudslides could pose dangers, notably in steep or saturated regions.
The heaviest rainfall from Hurricane Lala had accumulated to 43.54 inches on the northeast coast of the Big Island, underlining the potential severity of future storms. Power remains out for around 9,000 customers due to previous damage.
In anticipation of Moke, Hawaii Governor Josh Green and officials advised residents to be prepared by securing supplies of food, medicine, and other essentials. The community, still reeling from prior flooding, shares a palpable concern about the incoming storm’s threats, noted teacher Tiffany Edwards Hunt from Keaau on the Big Island.