Tropical Storm Moke to reach peak intensity before weakening as it passes south of Hawaii's Big Island
Forecasters say Tropical Storm Moke will peak soon and then weaken, with its center expected to pass a few hundred miles south of the Big Island on Sunday, bringing heavy rain, gusty winds and flood watches.
Tropical Storm Moke is projected to reach its maximum strength within the next few hours before weakening as dry air and increased wind shear take effect, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center's 11 a.m. advisory on Saturday. The storm is moving west-northwest at roughly 12 mph and is expected to track a few hundred miles south of the Big Island on Sunday, remaining compact enough that no tropical-storm watches or warnings are required for the state.
Rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches are forecast for most of the Big Island, with isolated amounts up to 15 inches in steep, windward and southeast areas that were recently impacted by Hurricane Lala. A flood watch has been issued for those regions from late Saturday night through Monday afternoon. Eastern Maui could see 3 to 6 inches of rain, while western Maui and other islands may receive 1 to 2 inches.
Gusty winds are also expected, particularly over high terrain. A wind advisory for the north, south and southeast portions of the Big Island runs from noon Saturday until 6 p.m. Sunday, with sustained east-to-northeast winds of 25-35 mph and gusts up to 55 mph. The pressure gradient created by Moke could produce surf and elevated wave conditions along exposed east- and south-facing shores through early next week.
Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda said county crews are ready to respond and urged residents to stay vigilant for heavy rain and gusty winds as the storm passes to the south. Shelters opened at 8 p.m. Saturday at several locations, including Nāʻālehu Elementary School and the Robert J. Herkes Gym, and are operating with generator power. Residents are asked to bring personal supplies, and pets are permitted if kept in carriers.
The county’s civil defense agency reminded residents to complete all storm preparations before nightfall, anticipate power and communication outages, and be prepared for hazardous road conditions. Sandbags can be requested from the Department of Public Works, and highway access may be limited to local and emergency traffic on certain routes.
Public-transport routes on the island have been adjusted, with several bus lines canceled on Sunday. Hawaiian Electric advised customers to review emergency plans and monitor updates, while the Department of Transportation reported that crews have cleared drainage channels and inspected bridges ahead of the storm.