Hawaii Braces for Tropical Storm Moke Amid Lingering Scars from Hurricane Lala

Well, here we go again. Just when the Hawaiian Islands were starting to catch their breath after the punishing blow of Hurricane Lala, another tropical system, Moke, is making its unwelcome approach. This weekend, residents, particularly on the Big Island, are preparing for another dose of heavy rain and gusty winds, a prospect that understandably brings with it a whole new wave of anxiety and concern.

It feels like a cruel twist of fate, doesn't it? Tropical Storm Moke is forecast to deliver significant rainfall and winds across the islands, especially the Big Island and eastern Maui, through Saturday and Sunday. The timing couldn't be tougher, coming hot on the heels of Lala, which, let's be honest, absolutely walloped the region just a week prior. Officials are urging everyone to stay vigilant, even as Moke appears to be a more distant threat than its predecessor.

As of Saturday evening, August 22, 2026, Tropical Storm Moke was packing maximum sustained winds of around 45 mph, churning westward at 14 miles per hour. While its center is expected to pass south of the Big Island on Sunday, and then well south of the smaller islands early next week, that doesn't mean we're in the clear. Oh no, not at all. The outer bands and associated moisture can still cause plenty of trouble, especially when the ground is already saturated and communities are still cleaning up.

The National Hurricane Center had reported Moke's winds a bit stronger earlier in the day, around 50 mph, before the Central Pacific Hurricane Center took over advisories. Regardless of the exact number, the real worry is the rain. Forecasters are predicting a staggering 5 to 10 inches for the Big Island, with localized spots on the windward and southeast sides potentially seeing a whopping 15 inches. Eastern Maui could get 3 to 6 inches, and even the rest of the islands aren't immune, with 1 to 2 inches expected. These aren't just puddles; this is serious water.

And here's why that's so concerning: Hurricane Lala. The memory of that storm is still fresh, indeed. Lala passed a mere 30 miles off the Big Island's coast, unleashing torrential rain — some areas, like Kapalua in Maui County, recorded an incredible 48 inches of rain over that single weekend. Wind gusts soared past 80 mph, power grids failed, and communities were inundated. We saw over $43 million in damaged infrastructure and another $4.6 million in home damage on the Big Island alone, as reported by Governor Josh Green. Tragically, at least one person lost their life. Nearly 130,000 utility customers lost power. The islands, frankly, are still bruised.

So, the arrival of Moke means a significantly heightened risk of life-threatening flash floods and devastating mudslides. Think about it: the soil is already soaked, debris from Lala might still be scattered, and trees could be weakened. New rainfall just adds fuel to an already precarious situation, potentially causing more downed trees, roadway issues, and, yes, further power outages. It's a heavy thought, particularly for those who are still picking up the pieces.

In response, local officials are, quite rightly, stressing preparation. Governor Green has been urging residents to restock essentials – batteries, water, non-perishable food – since Lala. Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the need to be ready. Even though tropical storm watches or warnings aren't currently expected due to Moke's relatively compact size and distance, that doesn't mean complacency is an option. The National Weather Service in Honolulu, through meteorologist Casey Oswant, has been clear about the rainfall predictions.

Teams from Hawai'i County, the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation, and even University of Hawaiʻi campuses are all on high alert, ready to respond to whatever Moke throws their way. They've been clearing debris, preparing facilities, and monitoring the situation closely. There's a collective sigh, I think, across the islands, but also a determined resilience. Let's hope Moke decides to be a bit kinder than its predecessor, but either way, Hawaii is bracing itself once more.