Tropical Storm Moke Soaks Big Island After Hurricane Lala's Wrath

Tropical Storm Moke is passing close to Hawaii, bringing significant rainfall to the Big Island just days after Hurricane Lala caused widespread destruction. The storm's center was located approximately 310 miles south of Hilo on Sunday morning, with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph.

While winds are moderate, the primary concern is precipitation. Forecasters predict Moke could drop up to 10 inches of rain across the Big Island, with isolated areas seeing as much as 15 inches. This amount of rainfall poses a serious risk of life-threatening flash floods and mudslides, particularly on windward and southeast slopes and in steep terrain already destabilized by the previous hurricane.

Eastern Maui could receive up to 6 inches of rain, while other islands in the chain may see one to two inches. The Big Island is expected to bear the brunt of the storm's impact as it tracks westward, south of the island chain.

Hurricane Lala's effects are still being felt. The northeast coast of the Big Island recorded 43.54 inches of rain from that storm, and over 6,700 customers, mostly on the Big Island, remain without power. The hurricane also caused two reported deaths, downed trees and power lines, and triggered mudslides that damaged roads and bridges.

No coastal watches or warnings are currently in effect, but officials are urging residents to monitor the storm closely. Governor Josh Green and other state officials held a news conference ahead of Moke's arrival, advising people to restock food, medicine, and other essentials.

Tiffany Edwards Hunt, a teacher in Keaau on the Big Island's east side, described the mood in communities still recovering from flooding: "There's definitely tension in the air."