Hawaii's Big Island is once again under threat of significant rainfall and potential mudslides as Tropical Storm Moke develops in the region. The storm is forecast to bring flooding rains to the island just days after it was battered by Hurricane Lala.
Tropical Storm Moke strengthened on Friday with 45 mph winds. While expected to remain weaker than Hurricane Lala, Moke is projected to move south of the Big Island, with rain expected to begin Saturday night and intensify on Sunday and into Monday. The storm could deliver rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches across the Big Island, with isolated amounts reaching up to 15 inches. This heavy precipitation raises concerns for life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in steep terrain and areas already impacted by Hurricane Lala.
Residents on the Big Island are still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Lala, which moved south of the island on Sunday. That storm caused damage or destruction to over 100 homes, cut off some communities, and left thousands without power. Lala also brought significant rainfall, with parts of the state receiving over a foot of rain and higher elevations recording more than 40 inches.
Elsewhere in the Hawaiian Islands, rainfall totals are expected to range from 1 to 3 inches, with maximum amounts of 5 inches, throughout the weekend and into early next week.