Tropical Storm Moke Threatens Hawaii After Hurricane Lala

A NOAA satellite image from Saturday, August 22, 2026, reveals Tropical Storm Moke approaching Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean. This storm is expected to exacerbate conditions in Hawaii, which is still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Lala. According to the NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center’s Saturday night advisory, Tropical Storm Moke affects Hawaii’s Big Island and is predicted to bring rain to other islands until Monday.

This rainfall may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides for the windward and southeast Big Island, especially in deep terrain and over areas recently affected by Lala, stated the center in their advisory.

The storm’s center is not forecasted to make landfall, passing south of the Hawaiian islands. However, Big Island could see up to 15 inches of rain, while eastern Maui might receive 3 to 6 inches, according to the center.

This weather event comes less than a week after Hurricane Lala affected the islands. Now downgraded to a tropical storm, Lala is moving northwest, away from Hawaii, at a slower speed. Without making landfall, Lala dropped over 30 inches of rain, causing significant flooding and mudslides that damaged roads and bridges. Floodwaters impacted several towns, displacing homes from their foundations.

Over 8,000 residents remain without power as of Saturday morning, and Hawaiian Electric reports full restoration might not occur until September 8. One fatality, a 90-year-old woman, resulted from the hurricane’s floods, as reported by Hawaii Public Radio.

Governor Josh Green has sought federal assistance by requesting the White House declare an emergency due to Hurricane Lala. Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda urged people to prepare for the conditions Tropical Storm Moke could bring. Please anticipate interruptions in power and communication and hazardous road conditions, Alameda conveyed through social media.