Tropical Storm Moke moved south of Hawaii on Sunday, bringing the threat of heavy rain and gusty winds to communities still recovering from Hurricane Lala.
The National Hurricane Center said Moke was centered about 310 miles south of Hilo on Sunday morning, with maximum sustained winds near 45 mph. The storm was moving west and was expected to pass south of the Big Island before tracking well south of the rest of the main Hawaiian Islands.
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Forecasters said the center of Moke was expected to remain offshore, but its outer effects could still produce dangerous conditions. Rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches were forecast for the Big Island, with isolated amounts up to 15 inches. Eastern Maui could receive 3 to 6 inches.
The rain may cause life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in steep terrain and areas already saturated by Lala, the hurricane center said. Officials also warned of strong, gusty winds in higher terrain and downslope areas.
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green requested a presidential emergency declaration Saturday, saying the state needed immediate federal support while communities recovered from Lala and prepared for another round of hazardous weather.
Lala brought 20 to 40 inches of rain to some areas, according to the governor’s office, and initial reports showed hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed. Roads and bridges were washed out or damaged, and officials said flooding and infrastructure damage disrupted access in the rural Kaʻu District on the Big Island.
Hawaii officials urged residents to monitor local alerts, avoid floodwaters and prepare for possible interruptions in power, communications and road access as Moke moved past the islands.
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