HONOLULU — Just days after Hurricane Lala hammered the Hawaiian Islands, Tropical Storm Moke will make a close pass by the Big Island and unleash a dangerous threat of heavy rain, flooding and damaging winds.
RAIN, WIND AND… SNOW? TROPICAL STORM LALA BRINGS A WINTRY SURPRISE TO HAWAII
Tropical Storm Moke formed Friday in the central Pacific with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and a minimum central pressure of 1,002 millibars., according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
Formerly known as Tropical Depression Two-C, Tropical Storm Moke is located about 660 miles southeast of Hilo, Hawaii, moving west-northwest at 9 mph.
A Flood Watch is in effect for the Big Island as heavy rain from Moke threatens dangerous rainfall rates, coming on the heels of Hurricane Lala.
A tropical storm is a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph, making it stronger than a tropical depression.
Since Moke is forecast to remain a compact storm, the NHC said no tropical storm watches or warnings are currently required based on its forecast track. However, that doesn’t mean Hawaii won’t see impacts from wind, heavy rain and dangerous surf.
Hawaii, which rarely sees tropical activity, will face its second tropical system in less than two weeks with Tropical Storm Moke expected to dump another round of heavy rain on the Big Island, in particular, as well as other islands across the state.
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Moke is expected to track south of the Big Island but still deliver 5-10 inches of rain, with localized pockets of up to 15 inches, the NHC said.
The FOX Forecast Center said the heaviest rain is expected to arrive on the Big Island on Sunday.
According to the Forecast Center, tropical downpours will create a flash flood threat, which could trigger mudslides in some steep areas of the islands.
RAIN, WIND AND… SNOW? TROPICAL STORM LALA BRINGS A WINTRY SURPRISE TO HAWAII
Rain totals of 1-2 inches are expected across Maui as Moke passes south of the rest of the island chain Monday.
The latest forecast models keep this storm farther south than Hurricane Lala's track, the FOX Forecast Center said.
FLASH FLOOD THREAT BUILDING FOR HALF A DOZEN STATES IN THE EAST TO END THE WEEK
Over 11,000 customers were still without electricity on the Big Island on Friday after Lala dumped over 3 feet of rain near Nāʻālehu on the southeastern tip of the Big Island.
Widespread flooding washed out roads and left Nāʻālehu cut off through early this week.
Moke could also cause life-threatening surf and rip currents.
Check back for updates on this developing story.
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