TS Moke Nears Hawaii: Torrential Rain, Damaging Winds Expected
Tropical Storm Moke: What Hawaii Residents Need to Know (Simple Guide)
What’s Happening Right Now?
Tropical Storm Moke is passing south of the Hawaiian Islands. Think of it like a big, wet spinning top that’s losing energy as it moves westward. Here’s the simple breakdown:
- Current status: Minimal tropical storm (the weakest category)
- Location: 320 miles south-southeast of Hilo (on Hawaii Island)
- Movement: Heading west at 15 miles per hour
- Wind speed: 40 mph sustained winds with stronger gusts
- Wind reach: Tropical storm winds extend only 45 miles from the center
- Future: Expected to weaken into a "post-tropical remnant low" by Tuesday (fancy words for "just a regular low-pressure system with no tropical characteristics")
IMPORTANT POINT: Even though Moke is weak and passing south of the islands, it can still cause problems — especially for areas already hit hard by Hurricane Lala.
Watches & Warnings: What You Need to Watch For
Flood Watch — Hawaii Island Only
- In effect through: Monday afternoon
- Why: Heavy rain could cause flash flooding
- Special concern: Ground is already soaked from Hurricane Lala
Wind Advisory — Maui County & Hawaii Island
- In effect until: Midnight Sunday night
- Winds: East-northeast at 25–30 mph
- Gusts: Up to 50 mph possible
- Where: "Usual windier areas" (high terrain, exposed coasts)
Main Threats from Moke
1. Wind
- Gusty winds likely across all Hawaiian Islands for the next couple days
- Worst in high terrain areas (mountains, ridges, valleys)
- Winds will gradually weaken Sunday night
- Back to normal trade winds by Tuesday
2. Rainfall
This is the bigger concern, especially for Hawaii Island:
| Area | Expected Rainfall |
|---|---|
| Windward & southeast slopes of Hawaii Island | 3–6 inches (up to 15 inches max in spots) |
| Rest of the islands | 1–2 inches |
CRITICAL WARNING: The National Weather Service says it won’t take much rain to cause flash flooding because the ground is already saturated from Hurricane Lala. Think of a soaked sponge — even a little more water makes it drip.
Storm Track: Where Is Moke Going?
- Current path: Passing south of Hawaii Island
- Continues: Westward, well south of the smaller main islands early this week
- Good news: The center stays far enough away that the worst weather misses most populated areas
How to Stay Prepared & Informed
1. Download the HNN Weather App
- Apple App Store: Hawaii News Now Weather
- Google Play: Hawaii News Now Weather
- Get updates from the First Alert Weather Team:
- Chief Meteorologist Jennifer Robbins
- Weather Anchors: Guy Hagi, Dan Cooke, Ben Gutierrez, Billy V
2. Check These Resources
- Latest First Alert Forecast
- How to Build a Hurricane Kit — Great prep guide even for tropical storms!
Simple Safety Steps for the Next 48 Hours
- Stay informed — Check weather updates regularly
- Avoid flooded roads — Turn around, don’t drown (even 6 inches of moving water can knock you down)
- Secure loose items — Patio furniture, trash cans, anything wind could toss
- Prepare for power outages — Flashlights, batteries, charged phones
- Check on neighbors — Especially elderly or vulnerable folks
- Know your evacuation zone — Just in case (especially Hawaii Island residents)
Summary
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Storm | Tropical Storm Moke (minimal strength) |
| Position | 320 miles south-southeast of Hilo |
| Movement | West at 15 mph |
| Biggest threat | Heavy rain → flash flooding (Hawaii Island) |
| Wind concern | Gusty winds all islands, advisory for Maui & Hawaii Island |
| Timeline | Weakens Sunday night → remnant low by Tuesday |
| Special risk | Ground already saturated from Hurricane Lala |
Bottom line: Moke isn’t a major storm, but its rain could cause flash flooding on already-soaked ground. Stay alert, especially if you’re on Hawaii Island.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Is Moke going to hit us directly?
No. The storm’s center is passing well south of the islands. We’re getting the outer rain bands and some gusty winds, not the core of the storm.
Why is a "minimal" tropical storm still dangerous?
Because of the rain. Even weak tropical systems carry huge amounts of moisture. When that rain falls on ground already soaked by Hurricane Lala, it has nowhere to go → flash floods.
What’s a "post-tropical remnant low"?
Just a regular low-pressure system. It means Moke loses its tropical characteristics (warm core, organized thunderstorms) and becomes a normal weather system. Less organized, less dangerous.
Should I evacuate?
Only if local officials say so. Right now, it’s a Flood Watch and Wind Advisory — not an evacuation order. But have a plan and be ready to move if flash flood warnings are issued for your area.
When will things get back to normal?
By Tuesday. Winds return to typical trade winds, and Moke’s moisture moves away. The weekend and Monday are the main concern days.
Stay safe, Hawaii! Keep an eye on the forecast and take care of each other.
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