Tropical Storm Moke is making its closest approach to Hawaii as the state braces for its second tropical threat in less than a week after deadly Hurricane Lala tore through parts of the islands.
Rainfall is the most dangerous threat from this storm — and it’s falling on the same places that flooded last weekend. This means it takes far less rainfall to trigger “life-threatening flooding and mudslides,” the National Hurricane Center warned.
A flood watch remains in effect for the Big Island through Monday afternoon.
Five to 10 inches of rain are expected on the Big Island, with up to 15 inches possible on the central and eastern slopes. Maui is forecast to see 4 to 6 inches, while the forecast is less certain for the other islands, with generally lower totals of 1 to 2 inches are expected and isolated amounts up to 4 inches or more possible.
Rainfall will ramp up on the Big Island and Maui by Sunday afternoon, spreading to the other islands later Sunday night into Monday.
The islands’ steep slopes force the winds upwards and squeeze water out of the air as it becomes colder and able to hold less moisture.
Moke is forecast to maintain its intensity as a tropical storm and continue on a similar track as Lala passing by Hawaii, although as a weaker storm and farther away.
While the strongest winds will remain offshore, a wind advisory is in effect for portions of Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, and the Big Island until 6pm HST Sunday. Wind gusts could reach up to 55 mph.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park closed on Friday until further notice in advance of the storm. The park still doesn’t have power, internet or phone lines after Lala swept by last week, and many of its employees are still recovering from the storm.
Lala’s eyewall brushed the southern coast of the Big Island while its center was roughly 30 miles offshore. The forecast has Moke’s center about 200 miles south of the Big Island later on Sunday during its closest approach.
