Hawaii Faces Severe Weather Threat from Tropical Storm Moke

Hawaii is currently experiencing life-threatening flooding as Tropical Storm Moke impacts the state, following recent damage from Tropical Storm Lala. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported winds at 45 mph on Saturday evening, with the storm’s center predicted to pass south of the Big Island on Sunday and further south of other islands in the coming week.

Forecast and Impact:

Heavy rainfall is expected to begin on the Big Island early Sunday, spreading westward throughout the day. Animated weather data from windy.com indicates rainfall forecasts of 5 to 10 inches, with some locations experiencing up to 15 inches. Eastern Maui may receive 3 to 6 inches while other islands could see between 1 to 2 inches of rain.

The NHC warned that this rainfall could lead to life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in the windward and southeast areas of the Big Island, where steep terrain combined with the recent impact from Lala increases risk. Although the strongest winds associated with Moke are anticipated to pass south of the islands, strong gusty winds are likely, especially near higher terrain.

Response and Preparedness:

Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen highlighted that the aftermath of Tropical Storm Lala means even moderate rain and wind could trigger flooding, debris, downed trees, roadway issues, and power outages. Local departments are preparing for Tropical Storm Moke and urge community members to do the same.

Tropical Storm Lala’s Aftermath:

Days before Moke, Tropical Storm Lala became the second named storm in the Central Pacific this year and the ninth in the broader Pacific basin. Though Lala was downgraded to a tropical storm, it caused substantial damage on the Big Island, with over 3.5 ft of rainfall recorded in 48 hours, affecting around 100 homes and six bridges, leaving over 100,000 people without power. The damage amounted to millions of dollars, and Governor Josh Green confirmed a fatality due to a weather-related car accident.

Emergency management director Randy Collins stated the cleanup operation posed significant risks with the use of heavy equipment and chain saws. The islands were also under threat from Hurricane Fausto in July before it weakened and moved north.

Bissen acknowledged the community’s storm fatigue and continued recovery from previous severe weather, stressing the potential danger of upcoming rainfall.

2026 Hurricane Season Context:

Hawaii hasn’t seen direct landfall from a hurricane since Iniki in 1992. In recent weeks, Hurricane Lala narrowly missed the Big Island’s coast. Hawaii’s usual protection from tropical cyclones comes from cooler sea-surface temperatures north and west of the islands, but this year’s extended El Niño weather pattern has led to warmer ocean waters, fostering cyclone development. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Arthur marked the start of the Atlantic hurricane season in mid-June with heavy rains hitting the U.S. Gulf Coast.

The hurricane season has been below average as of mid-August with few named storms and no hurricanes recorded, although the peak, typically occurring in September, is yet to arrive.