Tropical Storm Moke Threatens Hawaii with Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Just Weeks After Hurricane Lala

Hawaii residents are preparing for Tropical Storm Moke as it advances through the Pacific Ocean, bringing heavy rain and strong gusts of wind just a week after the islands faced severe conditions from Hurricane Lala.

As of 11am Hawaii Standard Time (21:00 GMT), Moke was located approximately 684 kilometres (425 miles) south of Hilo on Hawaii Island, moving west-northwest at 19km/h (12mph) with maximum sustained winds of about 85km/h (50mph), according to the United States National Hurricane Center (NHC).

While the storm is expected to pass south of Hawaii Island overnight and into the following morning, avoiding a direct hit, the region is still recovering from Hurricane Lala. That Category 1 storm caused heavy flooding, power outages, and at least one death, dropping more than 1,000mm (39 inches) of rain in some areas and leaving nearly 130,000 utility customers without power.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green and state officials have urged residents to restock food, medicine, and daily essentials. Governor Green noted that emergency personnel and equipment have been pre-positioned, and 100 hotel rooms have been authorized for individuals needing extra protection.

According to Casey Oswant, a meteorologist with the Honolulu office of the US National Weather Service, Moke will continue on a westward path near the islands through early Tuesday. The NHC projects rainfall totals of 130mm to 250mm (5 to 10 inches) over the next two days on the southeast and windward sides of the Big Island, with isolated areas possibly seeing up to 380mm (15 inches). Eastern Maui is expected to receive 76mm to 150mm (3 to 6 inches) of rain.

Governor Green warned that the severe weather will not end with Moke, noting that another storm front is anticipated to follow about a week later.