Tropical Storm Moke is expected to slam into the southern coast of Hawaii’s Big Island on Saturday evening, bringing heavy rain and strong winds just days after Hurricane Lala devastated parts of the archipelago. The National Weather Service has warned of significant flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas still recovering from Lala's impact.
Just one week after Hurricane Lala left thousands without power and caused widespread damage across Hawaii, the state is bracing for another blow. Tropical Storm Moke, gathering strength as it advances westward, is predicted to make landfall on the Big Island on Saturday evening, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
The storm is expected to bring torrential rainfall and sustained winds strong enough to down trees and power lines. Forecasters are especially concerned about the risk of flash floods and mudslides on already saturated ground, particularly in the southern and eastern districts of the island that bore the brunt of Lala’s fury.
“The combination of heavy rain and already weakened terrain could lead to dangerous conditions,” an NWS spokesperson said. Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to prepare for possible evacuation orders as the storm approaches.
Hurricane Lala, which struck the islands on August 19, caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads and power grids. Emergency services have been working to restore normalcy, but many communities are still without electricity. The arrival of Tropical Storm Moke threatens to set back recovery efforts.
While Moke is currently classified as a tropical storm, it has shown signs of intensification. The NWS is monitoring its trajectory closely, noting that warm ocean waters could fuel further strengthening before landfall. The storm is moving at a relatively slow pace, increasing the likelihood of prolonged rainfall.
Authorities urge residents to stock up on emergency supplies, secure loose outdoor items, and stay informed through official weather updates. Shelters are being opened across the Big Island to accommodate those who may need to evacuate.
Both the Guardian and Al Jazeera report that the storm is the second significant weather event to threaten Hawaii in less than two weeks, raising concerns about the region’s vulnerability to back-to-back storms in an already active Pacific hurricane season.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- Immediate danger to residents: Back-to-back storms compound risks of flooding, mudslides, and power outages, especially for communities still recovering from Hurricane Lala.
- Stretched emergency services: The rapid succession of disasters tests the capacity of local and state emergency management resources.
- Broader climate context: While no single storm can be directly attributed to climate change, the frequency and intensity of Pacific storms have been increasing, prompting calls for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness.
Background
Hawaii historically experiences relatively few direct hits from hurricanes and tropical storms due to its location in the central Pacific, but the region is not immune. In recent years, storms such as Hurricane Lane (2018) and Hurricane Douglas (2020) have brought damaging rains and winds.
Just three days ago, Hurricane Lala swept through the islands, leaving a trail of destruction. Power outages affected tens of thousands, and road closures isolated some communities. Recovery efforts were still underway when Tropical Storm Moke began forming in the eastern Pacific.
The storm system that became Moke was first identified earlier this week and has been steadily organizing as it moves west-northwest over warm sea surface temperatures, a key ingredient for intensification.
Key Perspectives
National Weather Service: Emphasizes the seriousness of the threat, warning of life-threatening flash floods and mudslides, particularly on the Big Island. They urge residents to follow evacuation orders immediately.
Local officials and emergency managers: Focus on practical preparedness, opening shelters and pre-positioning supplies. They are concerned about cumulative damage and the strain on response teams after Lala.
Residents: Many are expressing storm fatigue and frustration at the lack of time to recover. Some are skeptical of official warnings after previous storms that turned out weaker than forecast, but most are erring on the side of caution given the recent damage.
Critics and skeptics: Some question whether repeated warnings lead to complacency. However, the consensus among meteorologists is that Moke poses a real danger because of the saturated ground, regardless of its final intensity.
What to Watch
- Rainfall totals and wind speeds: Sustained heavy rain of 6–12 inches may trigger rapid flooding. Winds of 50–60 mph could cause additional structural damage.
- Storm surge and coastal flooding: Though the storm’s center is expected to hit the southern coast, surge impacts may extend to other shores.
- Potential for evacuation orders: If the storm strengthens further or shifts north toward more populated areas, mandatory evacuations may be issued.
- Post-storm recovery timeline: The ability of power crews and relief agencies to respond to a second disaster will determine how quickly Hawaii can bounce back.