Big Island Braces for Another Foot of Rain After Lala’s Deadly Fury
Hawaii Faces Back-to-Back Storms: Tropical Storm Moke Arrives After Hurricane Lala
What’s Happening in Hawaii Right Now?
Imagine getting soaked by a giant water balloon, and just as you’re drying off—another one hits you! That’s basically what’s happening in Hawaii right now.
Just one week ago, Hurricane Lala slammed the islands with destructive flooding and powerful winds. Now, Tropical Storm Moke is on the way, bringing more heavy rain and flooding concerns.
Quick Location Check: Moke is currently more than 500 miles southeast of Hilo (that’s on the Big Island) and moving toward the west-northwest.
Meet Tropical Storm Moke
The Basics
- Name: Moke (pronounced "MOH-keh")
- Status: Upgraded from Tropical Depression to Tropical Storm on Friday morning
- First Advisory: Issued Thursday by the National Hurricane Center
- Current Path: Tracking further south than Hurricane Lala did
Timeline at a Glance
| Day | What’s Happening |
|---|---|
| Thursday | First official advisory issued |
| Friday | Upgraded to Tropical Storm |
| Sunday | Closest approach to Big Island |
| Monday | Moves south of the rest of the island chain |
What Kind of Weather Should Hawaii Expect?
The Biggest Concern: Rain & Flooding
This is the most serious threat—especially because the ground is already soaked from Hurricane Lala!
Expected Rainfall Amounts
| Island | Expected Rain | Main Concerns |
|---|---|---|
| Big Island | 5 to 15 inches | Life-threatening flash flooding, landslides (especially mountains & eastern slopes) |
| Maui | Up to 4 inches | Local flash flooding (mountains & nearby slopes) |
| Smaller Islands | Up to 2 inches | Local flash flooding possible |
IMPORTANT ALERT: A Flood Watch is already in effect for the Big Island!
Other Impacts to Watch
- High Surf – Big waves hitting shores
- Wind Changes – Gusty winds possible, especially on higher terrain
- No Tropical Storm Watches Yet – Because Moke is tracking further south than Lala
Why Is This So Unusual?
HISTORIC MOMENT: Back-to-back tropical threats like this in one week have only happened once before since 1950!
Hawaii doesn’t often get hit by two tropical systems this close together. The ground hasn’t had time to dry out from Lala, which makes flooding from Moke much more dangerous.
Will Moke Get Stronger or Weaker?
Good news! Meteorologists think Moke will stay a tropical storm (not become a hurricane) because it’ll run into:
- Wind Shear – Winds at different altitudes blowing different directions (tears storms apart)
- Drier Air – Storms need moist air to grow stronger
Think of it like trying to blow up a balloon while someone’s pinching the middle—it just can’t get very big!
What Should People in Hawaii Do Right Now?
5 Steps to Stay Safe
- Stay Informed – Check local weather updates frequently
- Avoid Flooded Areas – Never drive through standing water (even 6 inches can knock you down!)
- Prepare for Power Outages – Have flashlights, batteries, and charged phones ready
- Know Your Evacuation Routes – Especially if you live near mountains, streams, or low-lying areas
- Check on Neighbors – Elderly or vulnerable folks may need extra help
Summary: Key Takeaways
| Key Point | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Moke arrives just 1 week after Lala | Ground already saturated = higher flood risk |
| 5-15 inches of rain possible on Big Island | Life-threatening flash flooding & landslides likely |
| Flood Watch active for Big Island | Official alert – take seriously! |
| Track further south than Lala | Less direct wind impact, but rain still major threat |
| Historic back-to-back event | Only 2nd time since 1950 – very rare! |
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What’s the difference between a hurricane and a tropical storm?
Simple answer: Wind speed! Tropical storms have winds 39-73 mph. Hurricanes have winds 74 mph or higher. Moke is expected to stay a tropical storm.
Why is the pronunciation "MOH-keh" not "MOKE"?
Hawaiian names follow Hawaiian pronunciation rules. The "e" at the end is always pronounced (like "eh"), not silent like in English!
What is a Flood Watch vs. a Flood Warning?
- Watch = Conditions are favorable for flooding (be prepared!)
- Warning = Flooding is happening or imminent (take action NOW!)
Can I still go to the beach this weekend?
Probably not a good idea. High surf, strong currents, and sudden flooding make beaches dangerous during tropical storms. Stay safe and enjoy the ocean another time!
How long will Moke affect Hawaii?
Main impacts Sunday through Monday, with conditions improving after Moke passes south of the island chain.
Final Thought: Hawaii is tough! The islands have weathered storms before, and with good preparation and looking out for each other, they’ll get through this one too. Stay safe, stay dry, and listen to local officials!