Hawaii Braces for Tropical Storm Moke After Hurricane Lala
• Hawaii is preparing for another tropical threat just one week after Hurricane Lala caused significant flooding and damage across the islands. The National Hurricane Center has issued its first advisory on Tropical Depression Two-C, which is currently located about 1,000 miles east-southeast of the Big Island. The system is moving west-northwest and is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Moke as it enters a more favorable environment. Forecast models suggest that Moke could pass south of Hawaii, with its closest approach to the Big Island anticipated on Sunday, August 23, 2026, and to the rest of the island chain on Monday, August 24,
• However, there is still some uncertainty in the storm's exact track and intensity.
Impact & Risks
The primary concern for Hawaii is the potential for additional heavy rainfall and flash flooding, particularly on the Big Island, which is still recovering from Hurricane Lala. The National Hurricane Center predicts rainfall totals of 5 to 15 inches on the Big Island, especially over mountainous and eastern slope areas, which could lead to life-threatening flash floods and landslides. Other parts of the islands may experience 1 to 5 inches of rain, with localized flooding possible. Tropical storm-force winds are also a concern, particularly near the southern point of Hawaii and over high terrain, though the extent of these winds remains uncertain.
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