Tropical Storm Moke Forms in Pacific: Hawaii Braces for Heavy Rain and Flood Risks

HONOLULU — Tropical Storm Moke formed Friday in the Central Pacific, threatening Hawaii with torrential rain and flash flooding just days after Hurricane Lala battered the islands. Moving west-northwest with 45 mph winds, the storm is forecast to track south of the Big Island this weekend, triggering flood watches for communities already struggling with saturated ground and power outages. 

Tropical storm Moke is expected to hit South of the Big Island

Tropical Storm Moke Forms as Hawaii Recovers From Lala 

Tropical Storm Moke formed in the Central Pacific on Friday, August 21, as Hawaii continued recovering from Hurricane Lala.

The system developed from a tropical depression southeast of the islands and became the latest tropical threat being monitored near Hawaii.

As of Friday morning, Moke had 45 mph sustained winds and was moving west-northwest at 9 mph, about 660 miles southeast of Hilo, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Its forecast track keeps the storm south of the Hawaiian Islands, reducing the chance of a direct strike.

Moke arrives only days after Lala brought 43.54 inches of rain to the Big Island, damaging roads and homes and leaving thousands without power. 

According to the National Hurricane Center, the new storm is expected to be rweaker, but its tropical moisture could still bring heavy rain and gusty winds to Hawaii this weekend and early next week.

Tropical storm Moke is moving west-northwest at 9 mph

Source: NOAA

Heavy Rain and Flooding Threaten Hawaii This Weekend

Moke’s greatest threat to Hawaii is tropical downpours, flash flooding, and mudslides, even if the storm stays offshore and avoids a direct landfall.

The Big Island faces the highest risk, particularly southeastern and windward areas that were recently affected by heavy rain from Lala.

Some areas could receive 5–10 inches of rain, with isolated totals reaching 15 inches. 

East Maui may also see significant rainfall, while other islands are expected to receive lower totals with isolated heavy showers.

The risk is heightened by saturated ground left by Lala. Additional rain could quickly overwhelm drainage systems and trigger flooding, while Hawaii’s steep terrain raises the potential for mudslides.

Read more: Hurricane Lala Leaves 1 Dead & Over 100k Without Power

Moke is forecast to bring heavy rain to the Big Island

Photo by: Jill K. Briggs

When Will Tropical Storm Moke Impact Hawaii? 

Tropical Storm Moke is expected to bring its main impacts to Hawaii from Saturday through early Tuesday, with the heaviest rain likely from Saturday night into Sunday.

The storm is forecast to stay south of the islands and remain weaker than Lala, lowering the risk of a direct landfall. 

However, Moke could still deliver significant rainfall as tropical moisture moves over Hawaii.

By Saturday night and Sunday, that moisture will interact with Hawaii’s steep terrain, producing periods of heavy rain, particularly on the Big Island. 

Flash flooding and mudslides are the primary concerns, with ground conditions already saturated by Lala potentially increasing runoff.

The threat may persist into Monday and early Tuesday as Moke tracks westward.

Even after the heaviest rain moves out, runoff could keep streams and rivers elevated, prolonging the risk of flooding.

There are currently no coastal watches or warnings in effect for Moke.

Residents should continue to monitor forecasts, however, as the storm’s track and strength could still change.

Related article: Difference between hurricane watch and warning

Tropical Storm Moke is expected to hit Hawaii from Saturday through early Tuesday

Source: Fox Weather

Check the Big Island weather forecast to stay ahead of Moke’s changing conditions.

Hawaii Prepares for More Rain as Lala Recovery Continues

Moke could still cause significant impacts even with weaker winds than Lala.

More heavy rain falling on already saturated ground could quickly trigger flooding and mudslides, while worsening existing infrastructure damage and power outages. 

Hawaii’s steep terrain could further increase the risk of slope failures. Officials are urging residents to remain alert as the system approaches. 

People should monitor NWS forecasts and local emergency alerts, avoid flooded roads, and stay away from unstable slopes and areas prone to mudslides. 

Keeping essential emergency supplies on hand is also recommended in case conditions worsen. (Read more: Flood emergency kit)

Moke is expected to remain south of Hawaii, and no direct landfall is currently forecast. 

Hawaii is still recovering from devastating Hurricane Lala

Stay safe before Moke’s arrival by:

• Monitor official updates from the National Weather Service Honolulu and local emergency management.

• Avoid driving through flooded roads and stay clear of unstable hillsides.

• Keep an emergency kit accessible in case of localized power or water disruptions

References

1. AP News

2. Fox Weather

3. Hawaii News Now

4. Island News