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Flood Watch Issued as Tropical Storm Moke Nears Hawaii

8/24/2026

Summary

Moke Threatens Hawaii

The U.S. National Hurricane Center forecasts Tropical Storm Moke will pass south of Hawaii.
Moke is producing maximum sustained winds of 45-60 mph with higher gusts.
National Weather Service issued a flood watch for Big Island from Saturday night through Monday afternoon.
Rainfall forecasts call for 5-10 inches on the Big Island and 1-2 inches on Maui.
Gusty winds and dangerous surf with rip currents are likely across islands, especially in high terrain.

Summary

Alameda Urges Shelter

Historical data show only one similar back-to-back storm since 1950, a 1.3 % annual probability.
A rapidly strengthening El Niño is warming Central Pacific waters, boosting tropical cyclone activity this season.
Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda urged residents to stay off roads, shelter in place, and opened shelters.
Poweroutage.us reported over 6,700 electricity customers on the Big Island remained without power after Lala.

Summary

Guard Deploys

Hawaii National Guard deployed over 250 personnel, including 87 on the Big Island, for Moke preparations.
Ten high-water vehicle teams will transport responders and clear flood debris after waters recede.
Guard crews have cleared about 7,100 meters of road and removed debris from 22 homes.
A historic C-17 Globemaster airlift will deliver power-grid equipment from Southern California.
State legislators allocated $100 million to the major disaster fund for recovery and preparedness.

History

Historical Context

In 1992 Hurricane Iniki struck Kauai as a Category 4 storm, causing $3.1 billion in damage, destroying over 1,400 homes and killing seven people. The disaster prompted Governor John Waihee to create the 1993 Hurricane Relief Fund. Today’s Tropical Storm Moke revives that legacy, prompting a $100 million 2024 resilience allocation for Hawaii.

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Moke Threatens Hawaii

The U.S. National Hurricane Center forecasts Tropical Storm Moke will pass south of Hawaii.
Moke is producing maximum sustained winds of 45-60 mph with higher gusts.
National Weather Service issued a flood watch for Big Island from Saturday night through Monday afternoon.
Rainfall forecasts call for 5-10 inches on the Big Island and 1-2 inches on Maui.
Gusty winds and dangerous surf with rip currents are likely across islands, especially in high terrain.

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