Tropical Storm Moke expected to bring up to 15 inches of rain in Hawaii: Maps and projected path

Key Points:

• Tropical Storm Moke, with sustained winds of 50 mph, is expected to bring heavy rainfall and gusty winds to the Hawaiian Islands this weekend, particularly affecting the Big Island and Maui early next week.
• Although Moke is not forecasted to make landfall, the storm's rain and wind could trigger flooding, mudslides, and power outages, especially in areas still recovering from recent damage caused by Hurricane Lala.
• Hurricane Lala, which passed close to the Big Island last weekend, caused significant damage with wind gusts over 80 mph and rainfall exceeding 3 feet in some areas, leading to heightened vulnerability to additional storms like Moke.
• Rainfall totals from Moke are expected to range from 5 to 10 inches on the Big Island, with up to 15 inches in some locations, while other islands will receive lesser amounts, compounding risks due to already saturated ground.
• The current El Niño climate pattern, characterized by warmer Pacific Ocean waters and reduced vertical wind shear, is contributing to an above-average hurricane season in the region, fueling the development and persistence of tropical storms like Lala and Moke.