Tropical Storm Moke Brings Heavy Rain to Hawaii After Hurricane Lala

Tropical Storm Moke passed by Hawaii on Sunday, bringing heavy rainfall to Big Island communities following Hurricane Lala. The National Hurricane Center reported that Moke’s center was located about 320 miles south-southwest of Hilo around midday, with top sustained winds of approximately 40 mph.

The primary concern from Moke was the rainfall impact in areas already affected by last weekend’s hurricane. Communities faced flooding, mudslides, damaged roads, and power lines due to the previous storm, which resulted in two reported deaths.

Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda advised residents to stay off the roads and shelter in place for safety. He mentioned shelters are available at several locations for those in need.

Moke is expected to produce up to 10 inches of rain across the Big Island, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 15 inches. This could lead to life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in steep terrain and regions impacted by Lala.

The storm was predicted to pass south of the Big Island and smaller Hawaiian islands. Eastern Maui was expected to receive up to 6 inches of rain, while other islands might experience 1 to 2 inches.

A notable image showed a vehicle passing an uprooted tree along Hawaii Belt Road near Pahala, Hawaii, a day after Hurricane Lala.

The Big Island was anticipated to face the most significant effects of Moke’s rain and winds, moving westward from the island chain. Hurricane Lala was downgraded to a strong tropical storm far out in the Central Pacific after leaving the islands.

The northeast coast of the Big Island saw the heaviest rainfall from Hurricane Lala at 43.54 inches, according to the weather service.

Governor Josh Green urged residents to prepare by restocking food, medicine, and other essentials. Over 6,500 Hawaii County customers were still without power on Sunday due to Lala’s impact.

In the eastern Pacific, Tropical Storm Iselle formed and gained strength, situated far from Mexico’s southwest coast. On Sunday afternoon, Iselle’s top sustained winds were 50 mph, located approximately 535 miles southwest of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula’s southern tip.

No coastal watches or warnings were issued for Iselle, which moved northwest at 16 mph. The National Hurricane Center indicated that Iselle might become a hurricane and cause strong ocean swells on Baja’s western coastline starting Monday.