Hawaii Hammered Again: 12+ Inches of Rain Looms After Deadly Lala
Hawaii Faces Another Storm: Tropical Storm Moke Arrives Just Days After Hurricane Lala
What’s Happening in Hawaii Right Now?
Imagine getting hit by a big water balloon, and before you can dry off, someone throws another one at you. That’s basically what’s happening in Hawaii right now!
Just one week after Hurricane Lala caused major flooding and damage, a new storm named Tropical Storm Moke is heading toward the islands. This is very unusual — back-to-back storms like this have only happened once before since 1950!
IMPORTANT ALERT
A Flood Watch is currently in effect for the Big Island. This means conditions are right for dangerous flooding — stay alert and ready to act!
Where Is Tropical Storm Moke Right Now?
Think of Moke as a big, wet spinning top in the Pacific Ocean. Here’s where it is:
- Location: More than 500 miles southeast of Hilo (that’s on the Big Island)
- Movement: Heading west-northwest toward the islands
- Name pronunciation: "MOH-keh" (rhymes with "okay" but with an M)
How Moke Got Its Name
- Thursday morning: Started as "Tropical Depression Two-C" (a baby storm with a number name)
- Friday morning: Grew strong enough to get a real name — Tropical Storm Moke
WORD TO KNOW
Tropical Depression → A storm with winds under 39 mph
Tropical Storm → A stronger storm with winds 39-73 mph (gets a name!)
Hurricane → Even stronger, winds 74+ mph
What’s the Forecast? Where Is Moke Going?
Good news: Moke is taking a more southern path than Hurricane Lala did.
Timeline of Moke’s Approach
| Time | What’s Happening |
|---|---|
| Late Saturday | Rain starts, winds change, surf gets rough |
| Sunday | Closest approach to the Big Island |
| Monday | Moves south of the rest of the island chain |
Will Moke Get Really Strong?
Probably not. Moke will face two things that weaken storms:
- Wind shear (winds at different heights blowing different directions — tears storms apart)
- Drier air (storms need moist air to grow)
These should keep Moke at tropical storm strength — not a hurricane.
What Are the Impacts? What Should People Expect?
THE BIGGEST DANGER: RAIN AND FLOODING
Since the ground is already soaked from Hurricane Lala, even less rain can cause big problems.
Rainfall Predictions:
| Area | Expected Rain | Danger Level |
|---|---|---|
| Big Island (especially mountains & eastern slopes) | 5 to 15 inches | EXTREME — Life-threatening flash floods & landslides |
| Other Hawaiian Islands | 1 to 4 inches | HIGH — Local flash flooding, especially near mountains |
WHY THIS IS SCARY
- Ground is already saturated from Lala
- Water has nowhere to go
- Flash floods can happen in minutes
- Landslides can block roads and damage homes
What About Wind?
Much better news here!
- Because Moke is tracking farther south, strong tropical storm winds are unlikely for most islands
- Only higher mountain peaks on the Big Island might see some stronger gusts
How to Stay Safe: Simple Steps for Everyone
If You’re in Hawaii Right Now:
- Stay informed — Check weather alerts on your phone, TV, or radio
- Don’t drive through flooded roads — "Turn around, don’t drown!" (Just 12 inches of moving water can carry away a car!)
- Prepare an emergency kit — Water, food, flashlight, batteries, medications
- Know your evacuation route — Especially if you live near streams, valleys, or steep slopes
- Check on neighbors — Especially elderly or those with special needs
If You Have Travel Plans:
- Contact your airline/hotel — Many are offering flexible changes
- Consider postponing if you’re headed to the Big Island this weekend
- Travel insurance? Check your policy — some cover weather disruptions
Summary: The Key Things to Remember
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Two storms in one week | Extremely rare — only 2nd time since 1950 |
| Biggest threat | Rain & flooding — not wind |
| Most at risk | Big Island — 5-15 inches of rain possible |
| Timing | Worst weather Saturday night through Monday |
| Ground conditions | Already soaked from Hurricane Lala = higher flood risk |
| Wind threat | Low for most areas — only high peaks may see strong gusts |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do you say "Moke"?
"MOH-keh" — rhymes with "okay" but starts with an M sound.
Is Moke going to be as bad as Hurricane Lala?
Probably not for wind, but the rain could be just as dangerous because the ground is already soaked. Think of a sponge that’s full of water — it can’t absorb any more!
What’s a "Flood Watch" vs "Flood Warning"?
- Flood Watch = "Be ready — flooding could happen" (this is what’s in effect now)
- Flood Warning = "Take action — flooding is happening or imminent"
Why do back-to-back storms cause more flooding?
The first storm (Lala) saturates the ground. The second storm (Moke) adds more rain on top of already-full soil. Water runs off instantly instead of soaking in → instant flash floods.
Should I evacuate now?
Only if local officials tell you to. Right now it’s a Watch, not a Warning. But have your go-bag ready and know where you’d go if ordered to leave.
FINAL THOUGHT
Hawaii is tough — these islands have weathered storms for centuries. The key is staying informed, prepared, and looking out for each other. If you’re there, listen to local officials. If you’re watching from afar, keep the islands in your thoughts!
Stay safe, Hawaii!