Tropical Storm Moke Map: Where Is the Storm Heading as Hawaii Braces for Heavy Rain?

Tropical Storm Moke is expected to track towards the west-northwest south of Hawaii this weekend, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the islands, with the highest risk of rainfall on the Big Island.

According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, the storm was located at 5 p.m. HST Friday about 595 miles southeast of Hilo. The storm strengthened from a Tropical Depression Two-C on Friday and was located at 5 p.m. HST Friday about 595 miles southeast of Hilo, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu.

Moke is likely to stay offshore and not directly affect land. However, forecasters are warning of flooding, mudslides, gusty winds and hazardous surf as moisture associated with the storm reaches Hawaii. The threat is especially high on the Big Island, where there is a Flood Watch for late Saturday night into Monday afternoon.

Tropical Storm Moke Track and Forecast

The current National Weather Service forecast has Moke to the south of the Hawaiian Islands as it travels from east to west. The storm was centered approximately 595 miles southeast of Hilo, moving to the west-northwest at 12 mph at 5 p.m. Friday.

The storm’s impact will ramp up late Saturday night and Sunday, forecasters predict. The National Weather Service indicated that Moke’s moisture will arrive late Saturday night into Sunday to the Big Island, with rainfall likely first over southeastern and windward areas, then becoming more widespread during the morning hours of Monday.

As Moke moves south of the islands, strong trade winds will begin to affect the state, according to the National Weather Service. Gusty winds may reach 50 mph across portions of Maui County, the Big Island and possibly on Oahu.

The storm isn’t expected to intensify to hurricane strength at this time. The forecast predicts conditions are expected to gradually weaken as environmental conditions become increasingly favorable for weakening, such as with dry air and wind shear.

Hawaii Rainfall and Flooding Risk

The Big Island faces the highest rainfall risk from Moke. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for the island from late Saturday Night through Monday Afternoon.

Estimated rainfall on windward and southeastern slopes is 5 to 10 inches, with locally heavy amounts of up to 15 inches. The agency said the ground was saturated from recent heavy rains and too much additional rain could cause flash flooding from relatively small amounts of rain.

The National Weather Service said, “It will not take a significant amount of rain to cause flash flooding due to saturated grounds from recent heavy rain.”

The agency also says the highest amounts of rain will be in the Kaʻu and Puna districts, and could be highest Sunday afternoon and evening and then continuing through Monday.

Why Moke Is a Concern After Hurricane Lala

Moke is approaching Hawaii less than a week after Hurricane Lala affected the state. The National Weather Service said flooding remained a concern after Lala because parts of the islands had already received significant rainfall.

A local statement issued after Lala’s departure said saturated ground could allow additional rainfall to produce flash flooding.

Offshore Warnings and Surf Conditions

While no tropical storm watches or warnings are currently in effect for the main Hawaiian Islands, tropical storm conditions are expected in southern offshore waters.

The National Weather Service said a Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for southern offshore waters for the weekend, with tropical storm conditions possible from Saturday night into Sunday.

Marine conditions are also expected to deteriorate. Seas could exceed 10 feet in parts of the eastern coastal waters, while surf along east- and south-facing shores is expected to increase as Moke approaches.

The National Weather Service said the storm’s southeast swell could push surf toward advisory levels along east-facing shores of the Big Island, although confidence in that portion of the forecast remains low because of possible changes in Moke’s track.

Flooding, Winds and Surf Risks for Hawaii Residents

Residents should keep an eye on the latest forecasts as Moke nears, especially those in the Big Island and flood-prone areas.

The existing Flood Watch is for Kona, Kohala, Big Island interior and summits, northern, southern, southeastern, and eastern portions of the Big Island. It lasts from the end of Saturday night to Monday afternoon.

The National Weather Service is recommending that residents keep an eye on later forecasts and be ready to take action if a Flash Flood Warning is issued.

The likelihood of a direct hit on Hawaii is low, and Moke’s forecast track keeps the storm south of the islands. The main concern for the state is therefore the combination of heavy rainfall, saturated ground, strengthening winds and rougher marine conditions as the system passes offshore.