Honolulu: Hawaii is preparing for the arrival of Tropical Storm Moke, with forecasters warning of heavy rainfall and strong winds across parts of the island chain from August 22 evening through early next week.
The Big Island is expected to experience the strongest impacts as Moke passes south of the island late August 22 and into August 23. The storm is forecast to continue moving westward near the Hawaiian Islands through early August 25.
National Weather Service meteorologist Casey Oswant said that the windward and southeastern areas of the Big Island are likely to see significant effects, although conditions are expected to be somewhat less severe than those caused by Hurricane Lala earlier this week.
Rainfall of 5 to 10 inches is forecast across the southeastern and windward sides of the Big Island, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 15 inches. Elsewhere in the island chain, rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches are expected, while parts of eastern Maui could receive up to 4 inches.
The National Weather Service has warned of possible flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas already affected by heavy rainfall from Hurricane Lala. Saturated ground could increase the risk of landslides and other hazards.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green and state officials have urged residents to prepare by securing essential supplies, including food and medicines.
Green said the Big Island had already recorded at least $43 million in infrastructure damage and another $4.6 million in damage to homes from Lala, warning that additional losses could be reported following Moke.
Although no coastal watches or warnings were in effect early August 22, authorities urged residents to closely monitor the storm. The National Hurricane Center warned that Moke could also bring dangerous rip currents, life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in steep areas and locations where the ground remains saturated.
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