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Hurricane Center Warns Invest 90E Could Bring 15-Inch Rain

8/21/2026

47 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. National Hurricane Center warned Invest 90E may become Tropical Storm Moke and bring heavy rain to Hawaii.
The center forecasts up to 15 inches of rain on the Big Island and up to 5 inches elsewhere.
Officials warned the rain could cause life-threatening flash flooding, mudslides, and dangerous surf.
On Aug. 19 about 20,000 customers—5% statewide, a quarter on the Big Island—still lacked power.

History

Historical Context

In September 1992 Hurricane Iniki struck Kauai as a Category 4 storm, causing $3.1 billion in damage, destroying 1,421 homes and prompting the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to upgrade power and flood-control systems. Decades later the National Hurricane Center’s warning on Invest 90E, projected to bring up to 15 inches of rain to the Big Island, echoes those historic vulnerabilities.

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Story summary

The U.S. National Hurricane Center warned Invest 90E may become Tropical Storm Moke and bring heavy rain to Hawaii.
The center forecasts up to 15 inches of rain on the Big Island and up to 5 inches elsewhere.
Officials warned the rain could cause life-threatening flash flooding, mudslides, and dangerous surf.
On Aug. 19 about 20,000 customers—5% statewide, a quarter on the Big Island—still lacked power.

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