Full Breakdown
Tropical Storm Moke Threatens Hawaii’s Big Island While Recovery from Hurricane Lala Continues
8/23/2026, 8:18:05 PM
Core Event
A tropical storm that formed on Friday in the central Pacific, named Moke, is moving west-northwest at roughly 12 mph. At the latest advisory the center was about 425 mi southeast of Hilo, with sustained winds near 45–50 mph. The cyclone’s core will pass south of the islands, but its outer rain bands are expected to bring 5–10 inches of rain across the windward and southeast slopes of the Big Island, with isolated amounts up to 15 inches, and gusty winds over high terrain.
Background & Context
The islands are still coping with Hurricane Lala, a Category 1 system that brushed the Big Island a week earlier, dumping more than 3 feet of rain, triggering landslides, flooding roads, and leaving thousands without power. An ongoing El Niño pattern has warmed eastern Pacific waters, creating favorable conditions for back-to-back tropical threats.
Data & Statistics
- Rainfall forecast: 5–10 inches over the Big Island, up to 15 inches in isolated spots; eastern Maui 1–2 inches, with local maxima of 3–6 inches.
- Wind: Sustained 45–50 mph; gusts up to 55 mph in higher terrain.
- Power outages: Reported figures range from about 6,700 to 11,630 customers.
- Infrastructure damage from Lala: Governor Josh Green cited at least $43 million in damaged infrastructure on the Big Island and $4.6 million to homes.
Official Statements & Responses
State officials have urged residents to restock supplies and monitor updates. Governor Josh Green announced pre-positioning of equipment, authorization of 100 hotel rooms for displaced residents, and a request for a federal emergency declaration. The National Weather Service’s Honolulu office warned that, while Moke’s wind field will remain offshore, saturated soils and additional rain create a high risk of flash flooding and mudslides. County Mayor Kimo Alameda noted the ground remains saturated and that even modest rain could trigger further flooding. County civil-defense teams have opened shelters at Na‘alehu Elementary School and other sites, and a flood watch is in effect from late Saturday night through Monday afternoon.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There will still be impacts, especially to the windward and southeast sides of the Big Island, but it will probably be a little bit more limited than what we saw with Lala,” — Casey Oswant
- “Our teams are working on two fronts: helping communities recover from Lala while preparing for Moke,” — Hawaii Gov. Josh Green
- “Please anticipate interruptions in power and communication and hazardous road conditions,” — Kimo Alameda
On-the-Ground Reports
Teacher Tiffany Edwards Hunt of Keaau said there is “definitely tension in the air” as communities anticipate more rain. Residents in the Ka‘u district report washed-out roads and intermittent power and water services.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Power outage numbers differ across outlets, ranging from roughly 6,700 to over 11,600 customers without electricity on the Big Island. Forecasts also vary on Maui rainfall, with some agencies citing a maximum of 4 inches and others up to 6 inches.
What’s Next
A flood watch remains active for the Big Island through Monday afternoon, and a wind advisory covers parts of Maui County and the Big Island. The National Weather Service expects most of Moke’s moisture to move westward by early next week, with the storm weakening as it encounters drier air and increased wind shear. Power restoration on the Big Island is scheduled to be completed by September 8. Residents are advised to stay indoors during heavy rain, avoid flood-prone roads, and follow shelter announcements from county officials.
