Tropical Storm Moke Threatens Hawaii with Rain and Winds

Tropical Storm Moke is set to bring significant rainfall and strong winds to the Hawaiian Islands this weekend. The storm is expected to stay just south of Hawaii, avoiding direct landfall, but its effects will still be felt. The National Hurricane Center reported that Moke had sustained winds of 50 mph as of Saturday afternoon and predicted further strengthening throughout the day.

Despite not hitting the mainland, Moke will impact the Big Island on Saturday night and early Sunday, followed by other islands next week. The recent havoc caused by Hurricane Lala makes the islands vulnerable to even moderate rainfall and wind, which could result in flooding, debris, downed trees, road issues, and power outages, according to Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen. He urged the community to prepare for the storm.

“Recent impacts from Tropical Storm Lala mean that even light to moderate rain and wind could trigger flooding, debris, downed trees, roadway issues, and power outages,” Bissen stated.

Hurricane Lala skirted very close to Hawaii last week, causing severe impacts without making direct landfall. The eye of Lala, a Category 1 hurricane, passed only 30 miles from the Big Island’s coast, unleashing winds of over 80 mph and dumping more than three feet of rain in some areas. Maui saw especially high rainfall, with Kapalua receiving 48 inches.

Bissen acknowledged the community’s “storm fatigue” and thanked residents for their continued vigilance amid an active hurricane season. The National Hurricane Center expects Moke to bring up to 15 inches of rain to some parts of the already saturated Big Island. Other island regions could see between 1 and 6 inches, depending on location.

In response, Hawaii activated its joint information center to keep the public informed. This occurs shortly after shutting down the center that was set up for Lala. The El Niño climate pattern, with warming waters in the eastern Pacific, contributes to the high hurricane activity. Warm waters fuel tropical cyclones, while reduced vertical wind shear during El Niño allows storms to maintain their strength.

The Hawaiian community and officials remain on high alert, knowing the potential risks posed by Tropical Storm Moke and the ongoing challenges from recent weather events.