Tropical Storm Moke develops, expected to bring flooding rains to Hawaii's Big Island

Hawaii's Big Island is bracing for Tropical Storm Moke, which is expected to unleash heavy rainfall and potentially deadly mudslides. The storm is forecast to dump between 5 and 10 inches of rain on the island, with the possibility of up to 15 inches in some areas. This could lead to life-threatening flooding and landslides, particularly in steep terrain and regions already affected by Hurricane Lala.

While Moke is anticipated to be weaker than Lala, with winds of 45 mph, it still poses a significant threat. It is projected to move south of the island, with rain spreading across the area on Saturday night and intensifying on Sunday and into Monday. The remainder of the Hawaiian Islands can also expect rainfall, with totals of 1 to 3 inches and peak amounts of 5 inches.

Hurricane Lala, which had already caused extensive damage, moving south of the Big Island on Sunday, left over 100 homes destroyed or damaged and cut off several communities. The storm brought more than a foot of rain to certain parts of the state, with the highest elevations receiving over 40 inches. Many residents on the Big Island are still grappling with the aftermath of Lala, living without power.