Hawaii Island, the largest in the Hawaiian archipelago, faces yet another weather challenge as Tropical Storm Moke approaches, following last week’s impacts from Hurricane Lala. Residents are preparing for potential heavy rainfall and strong winds, underscoring the resilience of the community as they navigate these powerful natural events.
Tropical Storm Moke is making its way toward Hawaii, bringing with it gusty winds and heavy rainfall just a week after the islands dealt with the repercussions of Hurricane Lala. While the storm is forecast to pass south of Hawaii Island—also known as the Big Island—over the course of the night into the morning, local residents are taking precautions ahead of Moke’s arrival.
As of 11 a.m. Hawaii Standard Time (21:00 GMT), Moke was registered approximately 684 kilometers (about 425 miles) south of Hilo, situated on Hawaii Island’s eastern coast, and was moving west-northwest at a speed of 19 kilometers per hour (12 mph). The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that the storm boasts maximum sustained winds of around 85 kilometers per hour (50 mph).
Though Moke is not predicted to strike Hawaii Island directly, the region is still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Lala, a Category 1 storm that resulted in severe flooding, power outages, and the unfortunate loss of at least one life. Lala dumped more than 1,000 millimeters (39 inches) of rain in select areas, overwhelming rivers and prompting crippling infrastructure consequences, including widespread power outages affecting approximately 130,000 utility customers.
In light of the impending storm, Hawaii Governor Josh Green and other state officials are urging residents to stock up on food, medicine, and essential supplies. In a video message, Green highlighted the importance of preparedness: “It could certainly have a big impact because we’ve already been hit hard,” he stated. To assist those in need, he has authorized accommodations of 100 hotel rooms for residents who may require refuge during the storm.
Although power has been largely restored after the disruptions caused by Lala, some remote areas continue to experience outages, with full restoration expected by September 8. After Moke passes Hawaii Island, it is forecasted to continue its westward journey near the other islands into early Tuesday.
Meteorologist Casey Oswant from the Honolulu branch of the National Weather Service indicated that while impacts from Moke are likely to be less severe compared to Lala, the windward and southeast sides of the Big Island could still be notably affected. The NHC anticipates that Moke could yield rainfall amounts between 130 millimeters to 250 millimeters (5 to 10 inches) over two days in the storm’s projected path, with isolated regions possibly receiving up to 380 millimeters (15 inches). Eastern Maui can expect between 76 millimeters to 150 millimeters (3 to 6 inches) of rain, with lesser amounts forecast across the remaining islands.
Governor Green cautioned residents to remain vigilant, emphasizing that heavy rain is likely to persist even after Moke moves through the region. “Everyone be very careful,” he advised, noting that another storm front could follow shortly after Moke’s passage, continuing to challenge the community’s resilience against these extreme weather patterns.
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