Tropical Storm Moke Affects Hawaii from its South

Tropical Storm Moke will remain on a west-northwest track south of the Hawaiian Islands.

As of 11 a.m. HST (5 p.m. EDT), Tropical Storm Moke was located near 15.2N, 156.3W, or about 320 miles south-southwest of Hilo, Hawaii. Moke has maximum sustained winds of 40 mph as it moves to the west at 15 mph. Its central pressure is 29.62 inches, or 1003 mb.

Moke will decrease in its wind strength ever so slightly for the next 24 to 36 hours as it moves 300 or so miles south of Hawaii today and Monday. This storm will continue on a west-northwest track and remain south of the rest of the island chain before it weakens to a remnant low pressure system on Tuesday evening or early Wednesday.

Even with no landfall expected, Moke will still make an impact on the Big Island. Breezy winds of 25 to 30 mph will occur across the southern portion of the island while heavy rain is expected today and Monday. Totals of 5 to 10 inches and localized amounts up to 15 inches are anticipated, which will cause concern for flash flooding and mudslides thanks to Hurricane Lala recently dumping over 20 inches of rain. Power outages are likely due to heavy rain and windy conditions.

As a result, a Flood Watch has been issued for the Big Island.

The rest of the Hawaiian Islands will experience impacts related to Moke too. Eastern Maui will see rain totals of 3 to 6 inches while the rest of the islands will mostly see 1 to 2 inches. Even with these totals, localized flooding and mudslides will still be a threat through Monday thanks to the saturated ground from Lala.

Residents as well as visitors to the Hawaiian Islands should take extra precautions and remain informed on evacuation routes and even backup routes in case the preferred route is blocked. Non-perishable foods and clean water, as well as an electricity source to charge necessary electronics, will be very helpful in case the power goes out.