Tropical Storm Moke approaches Hawaii, bringing rain and gusty winds
Tropical Storm Moke, located southeast of Hilo, is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to Hawaii's Big Island through early Tuesday, adding to recovery efforts from Hurricane Lala.
Tropical Storm Moke moved west-northwest toward Hawaii on Saturday, positioned about 470 miles (755 km) southeast of Hilo with sustained winds near 50 mph (85 kph), according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm is forecast to pass south of the Big Island late Saturday into early Sunday, delivering the heaviest impacts on the island’s windward and southeast coasts.
"There will still be impacts, especially to the windward and southeast sides of the Big Island, but it will probably be a little bit more limited than what we saw with Lala," said Casey Oswant, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Honolulu.
Rainfall estimates for the weekend range from 5 to 10 inches (13 to 25 cm) on the southeast and windward sides of the Big Island, with isolated amounts up to 15 inches (38 cm). Other islands are expected to receive 1 to 2 inches (2 to 5 cm), while east Maui could see up to 4 inches (10 cm). Authorities warned of potential rip currents, flooding and mudslides, particularly in steep, saturated terrain.
No coastal watches or warnings were in effect early Saturday, but residents were advised to monitor the storm closely. About 9,000 customers on the Big Island remained without power following the earlier Hurricane Lala, which caused extensive damage and one storm-related death.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green and state officials held a news conference urging residents to restock essential supplies ahead of the storm.