Tropical Storm Moke Brings More Rain to Hawaii Just Days After Hurricane Lala

What’s Happening in Hawaii Right Now?

Imagine getting hit by a big storm, and then another one shows up a week later. That’s exactly what’s happening in Hawaii right now.

• Last weekend: Hurricane Lala slammed the islands with destructive flooding and powerful winds
• This weekend: Tropical Storm Moke is approaching, bringing more heavy rain and flooding concerns
• Biggest worry: The ground is already soaked from Lala, so even less rain could cause dangerous flash floods

IMPORTANT: BACK-TO-BACK STORMS ARE RARE
Weather experts say having two significant storms hit Hawaii within one week has only happened once before since 1950. This makes the current situation very unusual and potentially more dangerous.

Where Is Tropical Storm Moke Right Now?

Let’s break down Moke’s current location in simple terms:

• Distance: More than 500 miles southeast of Hilo (that’s about the distance from New York to Detroit!)
• Movement: Heading toward the west-northwest
• Pronunciation: Say it like "MOH-keh"
• Timeline:
  • Thursday: First official advisory issued (was a "Tropical Depression" then)
  • Friday: Upgraded to "Tropical Storm" status

WEATHER WORD DEFINITIONS

• Tropical Depression: A baby storm with winds under 39 mph
• Tropical Storm: A stronger storm with winds 39-73 mph
• Hurricane: A major storm with winds 74+ mph
• Wind Shear: Changing winds at different heights that can weaken a storm

What Does the Forecast Say?

Here’s what weather computers (models) are predicting:

The Storm’s Path

1. Saturday-Sunday: Moke gets closer to Hawaii
2. Sunday: Closest approach to the Big Island
3. Monday: Moves south of the rest of the island chain
4. Key difference from Lala: Moke will track further south than last week’s hurricane

Why "Further South" Doesn’t Mean "Safe"

Even though the storm center stays farther away, Hawaii will still feel effects:

• Rain bands extend far from the center
• Wind changes will be noticeable
• High surf will hit beaches

What Might Weaken Moke?

Two natural "brakes" on the storm:

1. Wind shear – changing winds that can tear the storm apart
2. Drier air – storms need moist air to stay strong
   

   Result: These factors should keep Moke at tropical storm strength, not let it become a hurricane.

What Are the Expected Impacts?

Rainfall Amounts (The #1 Concern)

CRITICAL: FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT
A Flood Watch means conditions could lead to flooding. It’s not happening yet, but you should be prepared. The Big Island is under this watch right now.

Why This Is Extra Dangerous

1. Ground already saturated from Hurricane Lala
2. Rivers and streams are already high
3. Soil on hillsides is loose and prone to sliding
4. Less rain needed to cause problems than normal

Wind Concerns

• No Tropical Storm Watches currently (storm tracking further south)
• But: Gusty winds still possible, especially:
  • Higher elevations (mountains, ridges)
  • Exposed coastal areas

How to Prepare: Simple Steps for Safety

Right Now (Before the Storm)

1. Check your emergency kit – water, food, flashlights, batteries, medications
2. Clear gutters and drains around your home
3. Know your evacuation zone – especially if near streams or hillsides
4. Charge all devices – phones, power banks, medical equipment

During the Storm

1. Stay indoors – avoid unnecessary travel
2. Monitor official sources – National Weather Service, local emergency management
3. Never drive through flooded roads – "Turn Around, Don’t Drown"
4. Be ready to move if you’re in a flood-prone area

After the Storm

1. Wait for official "all clear" before returning to evacuated areas
2. Document damage with photos for insurance
3. Avoid standing water – could hide hazards or contamination
4. Check on neighbors – especially elderly or vulnerable

Summary

• Hawaii faces a rare one-two punch: Hurricane Lala last week, now Tropical Storm Moke this weekend
• Moke is currently 500+ miles southeast of Hilo, moving west-northwest
• Biggest threat: Heavy rainfall (5-15 inches on Big Island) on already soaked ground
• Flash floods and landslides are likely – this is life-threatening
• Flood Watch active for Big Island – prepare now
• Storm tracks further south than Lala, but impacts still significant
• Wind shear and dry air should prevent Moke from becoming a hurricane
• Stay informed, stay prepared, stay safe

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning?

Watch = "Be ready, flooding could happen." Warning = "Take action now, flooding is happening or imminent." Right now it’s a Watch for the Big Island.

Why is 5-15 inches of rain so dangerous when Hawaii gets rain all the time?

Normal rain falls over days or weeks. This much rain in 24-48 hours on already saturated ground overwhelms streams, drainage, and hillsides instantly. Think of a sponge that’s already full – any more water just runs off immediately.

If Moke stays south of the islands, why do we still get impacts?

Tropical storms aren’t just a dot on a map. They’re huge systems with rain bands extending hundreds of miles from the center. Hawaii sits in the "outer bands" where heavy rain and gusty winds still reach.

What does "wind shear" actually do to a storm?

Imagine a spinning top. If you blow on it from the side, it wobbles and slows down. Wind shear is like nature blowing on the storm from different directions at different heights – it disrupts the storm’s engine.

How can I get official alerts for my specific location?

1. Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone (in settings)
2. Follow @NWSHonolulu on Twitter/X
3. Sign up for county alerts (each Hawaiian county has its own system)
4. NOAA Weather Radio – works even when cell service fails

Stay safe, Hawaii. This is a serious situation, but preparation saves lives. Listen to local officials and don’t take chances with flood waters.