Hawaii: Tropical Storm Moke Adds to Property Damage Threat

• Tropical Storm Moke passed Hawaii on Sunday, bringing heavy rain to the Big Island, which was already recovering from Hurricane Lala's devastation.
• Forecasters predicted up to 10 inches of rain across the Big Island, with isolated areas potentially receiving 15 inches, raising fears of life-threatening flooding and mudslides.
• Over 6,700 customers, mostly on the Big Island, remained without power on Sunday following Hurricane Lala, which also caused two reported deaths and widespread infrastructure damage.
• Hawaii officials urged residents to prepare for Moke by restocking essentials, as communities expressed "tension" over the prospect of more severe weather.

The cumulative impact of successive severe weather systems, particularly Tropical Storm Moke following Hurricane Lala, presented a grave risk of exacerbating existing property damage and infrastructure challenges across Hawaii.

Tropical Storm Moke passed by Hawaii on Sunday, bringing significant rainfall to communities on the Big Island, which were still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Lala. The National Hurricane Center reported Moke's core approximately 310 miles (500 kilometers) south of Hilo on Sunday morning. While its peak sustained winds reached around 45 mph (75 kph), the primary concern was the precipitation it would deliver to regions already compromised by the preceding hurricane.

Hurricane Lala had caused widespread destruction the previous weekend, resulting in downed trees, damaged power lines, extensive mudslides, and compromised roads and bridges. The Big Island, having borne the brunt of Lala's impact, was once again expected to face the most severe effects from Moke's rain and winds as the storm tracked westward, south of the Hawaiian island chain. The northeast coast of the Big Island had previously recorded an astonishing 43.54 inches (1.1 meters) of rainfall from Hurricane Lala, highlighting the region's vulnerability to further deluges.

The arrival of Tropical Storm Moke compounded an already challenging situation for residents. On Sunday, over 6,700 customers, predominantly located on the Big Island, remained without electricity, according to data from poweroutage.us. The previous Hurricane Lala had also been linked to two reported fatalities, underscoring the severe human cost of such weather events.

In anticipation of Moke's effects, Hawaii Governor Josh Green, alongside other state officials, conducted a news conference. They strongly advised the public to undertake preparatory measures, including replenishing supplies of food, medicine, and other essential items. The sentiment on the ground reflected these concerns; Tiffany Edwards Hunt, a teacher residing in Keaau on the Big Island's east side, articulated a palpable "tension in the air" among communities that had recently endured devastating floods, now facing the prospect of additional heavy rain. A visual reminder of the recent devastation was captured on Monday, August 17, 2026, in Naalehu, Hawaii, where a woman and child navigated a street strewn with debris following a severe weather system.

Forecasters issued stark warnings regarding the potential for life-threatening flooding and mudslides due to Moke's expected rainfall. The Big Island was projected to receive as much as 10 inches of total rain, with isolated areas potentially seeing up to 15 inches. These extreme amounts particularly hazardous for the windward and southeast slopes, especially in steep terrain and areas already weakened by Hurricane Lala.

While the Big Island was the primary focus, other parts of the archipelago were also bracing for rain. Eastern Maui was forecast to receive up to 6 inches, while the remaining islands could experience one to two inches. Despite the significant rainfall predictions, no coastal watches or warnings were in effect, though authorities urged residents to closely monitor the storm's progression. The cumulative impact of successive severe weather systems, particularly Tropical Storm Moke following Hurricane Lala, presented a grave risk of exacerbating existing property damage and infrastructure challenges across Hawaii.

Source: Original reporting via Associated Press