Full Breakdown
Tropical Storm Moke Threatens Hawaii After Hurricane Lala
8/22/2026, 11:42:47 AM
Core Event – Moke’s Formation and Forecast Path
On Friday, August 21, the National Hurricane Center upgraded Tropical Depression Two-C to Tropical Storm Moke. At 11 a.m. HST the storm was centered about 660 mi southeast of Hilo, moving west-northwest at 9 mph with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and higher gusts. Forecast guidance shows the center passing south of the Big Island on Sunday and then south of the main Hawaiian Islands early next week. The system is expected to remain a tropical storm, with a low likelihood of reaching hurricane strength.
Background & Context – Recent Hurricane Lala Impacts
Hurricane Lala brushed the islands in mid-August, making landfall as a Category 1 storm on August 15. It dropped more than 20 inches of rain in parts of the archipelago, with a peak of 43.5 inches on the northeast coast of the Big Island, caused two fatalities, destroyed over 100 homes, and left more than 11,000 customers without power. Soils on the Big Island remain saturated, raising the risk of flash flooding and mudslides.
Data & Statistics
- Rainfall forecast: 5–10 inches on the Big Island, isolated totals up to 15 inches; 1–2 inches on most other islands, up to 4 inches on eastern Maui.
- Wind: Sustained 45 mph; gusts projected 40–60 mph, with tropical-storm-force winds extending 70 mi from the center.
- Flood watch: Effective late Saturday night through Monday afternoon for the Big Island, covering districts such as Puna, Kau, and Hilo.
- Surf: Swells from Moke are expected to produce life-threatening surf and rip-current conditions on exposed shorelines.
Official Statements & Responses
The Central Pacific Hurricane Center noted that the storm’s compact size reduces the need for tropical-storm watches but does not eliminate the threat of rain, wind, and surf. Hawaii Governor Josh Green and Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda urged residents to restock emergency supplies and monitor updates.
Verbatim Quote
- “The Big Island will be especially sensitive to flooding after Lala,” — Alex DaSilva, AccuWeather hurricane expert
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Rainfall projections differ among outlets: some cite 4–12 inches for the Big Island, others 5–10 inches with a maximum of 15 inches. Wind-gust estimates also vary, with ranges of 40–50 mph and 45–60 mph. No tropical-storm-force wind warnings have been issued, leaving a gap between forecasted gust potential and official alerts.
What’s Next
The flood watch remains in effect through Monday afternoon. The NHC will issue its next advisory around 5 p.m. HST and may upgrade to wind or tropical-storm warnings if gusts approach the higher end of the forecast range. Residents should stay tuned to the First Alert Weather Team and secure property against possible flash-flooding and hazardous surf.
