Hawaii faces second storm as Moke follows Hurricane Lala's devastation
Tropical Storm Moke is expected to hit southern Hawaii on Saturday evening with heavy rain and strong winds, just days after Hurricane Lala caused widespread damage. The National Weather Service forecasts 5-10 inches of rain on the Big Island, with up to 15 inches in isolated areas, and warns of flooding and mudslides, especially in saturated regions. Governor Josh Green reported at least $43 million in infrastructure damage from Lala and said recovery will take time.
Meteorologists expect Moke to track westward near the island chain into early Tuesday, with the Big Island's windward and southeastern slopes absorbing the heaviest precipitation. Forecast models indicate 5-10 inches of rain across those regions, potentially reaching 15 inches in isolated pockets, while east Maui could see up to 4 inches and the rest of the chain 1-2 inches.
Governor Green's preliminary damage assessment from Hurricane Lala tallies $43 million in infrastructure losses and $4.6 million in residential damage on the Big Island alone. Officials held a pre-storm news conference urging residents to stockpile food, medicine, and essentials, noting that saturated ground from the previous storm heightens mudslide and flash-flood risks in steep terrain.
Communities on the Big Island's southeastern flank face compounding hardship, as recovery from Hurricane Lala's infrastructure damage is still underway when Moke arrives. Saturated soils could trigger mudslides that isolate rural households, while repeated flooding may strain local emergency services and delay repairs to roads and utilities. Residents in low-lying or steep areas could face prolonged displacement, and the cumulative financial toll on homeowners and county budgets may slow broader economic recovery in a region heavily dependent on tourism and agriculture.