Tropical Storm Moke Threatens Hawaii with Flooding After Hurricane Lala

Tropical Storm Moke Threatens Hawaii with More Severe Weather

As Hawaii emerges from the aftermath of Hurricane Lala, the state braces for another round of severe weather. Tropical Storm Moke is currently affecting the Big Island and is anticipated to bring heavy rain and strong winds to other islands through Monday, according to an advisory from the NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center.

“This rainfall may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides for the windward and southeast Big Island, especially in deep terrain and over areas that were recently affected by Lala,” the advisory warns.

Although Tropical Storm Moke is expected to pass south of the Hawaiian Islands without making landfall, it could still deliver up to 15 inches of rain to the Big Island and 3 to 6 inches to eastern Maui, the center reports.

The threat from Moke comes less than a week after Hurricane Lala’s powerful rains caused significant damage across Hawaii. Although Lala did not make landfall, it unleashed more than 30 inches of rain in some areas, resulting in devastating floods and mudslides that destroyed infrastructure and swept homes off their foundations.

As of Saturday morning, more than 8,000 residents remained without power, with the electricity grid not expected to be fully operational until September 8, according to Hawaiian Electric.

Tragically, the hurricane resulted in the death of a 90-year-old woman during the flooding, as reported by Hawaii Public Radio. In response to the disaster, Hawaii Governor Josh Green has sought federal assistance by requesting a presidential emergency declaration.

In anticipation of Moke’s impact, Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda has urged residents to prepare for disruptions. “Please anticipate interruptions in power and communication and hazardous road conditions,” Alameda advised on social media.