Moke forecast to reach peak intensity soon; storm center should pass couple of hundred miles south of Big Island on Sunday

Key Points:

• Tropical Storm Moke is expected to reach peak intensity soon before weakening due to dry air and increased wind shear, moving west-northwest near the Big Island without prompting tropical storm warnings.
• Heavy rainfall of 5 to 10 inches, with up to 15 inches possible, threatens life-threatening flooding and mudslides on the Big Island, especially in areas recently affected by Hurricane Lala; a flood watch is in effect from late Saturday night through Monday afternoon.
• Gusty winds up to 55 mph are forecast across the Hawaiian Islands, particularly in high terrain, with a wind advisory in effect for parts of the Big Island until Sunday evening.
• Multiple shelters are open on the Big Island, and residents are urged to complete preparations before nightfall, anticipate power outages and hazardous roads, and consider evacuation if in flood-prone areas.
• Hawaiian Electric and Hawai‘i Department of Transportation have taken precautionary measures including emergency power readiness, debris removal, and infrastructure inspections to mitigate impacts from the storm.