Tropical Storm Moke Threatens Hawaii with More Flooding

The recent NOAA satellite image from Saturday, August 22, 2026, reveals Tropical Storm Moke heading towards Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean. Forecasters predict that this tropical storm will exacerbate flooding and strong winds in Hawaii as the state continues to recover from last week’s Hurricane Lala.

Tropical Storm Moke is currently affecting Hawaii’s Big Island, with rain expected to extend to other islands until Monday. According to the NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center’s advisory released late Saturday night, the storm’s rainfall might cause life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in the windward and southeastern parts of the Big Island. These areas are more vulnerable due to recent impacts from Lala.

Although the storm’s center is not projected to make landfall, it will pass south of the Hawaiian islands. Forecasts indicate up to 15 inches of rain for the Big Island and between 3 to 6 inches for eastern Maui.

Potential damage from Tropical Storm Moke is anticipated just days after Hurricane Lala affected the islands. Downgraded to a tropical storm, Lala is now moving northwest away from Hawaii. It did not make landfall, yet it delivered over 30 inches of rain in some regions, causing floods and mudslides that damaged roads and bridges. Floodwaters swept through towns and detached homes from their foundations.

As of Saturday morning, over 8,000 residents remain without power. Hawaiian Electric indicates full electricity restoration might take until September 8. Hawaii Public Radio reported that the hurricane claimed the life of a 90-year-old woman in a flood.

In response to Hurricane Lala, Hawaii Governor Josh Green signed a request on Saturday urging the White House to declare an emergency. Meanwhile, Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda urged residents to brace for Tropical Storm Moke’s impact, warning of possible power and communication disruptions alongside hazardous road conditions.