Tropical Storm Moke expected to bring up to 15 inches of rain in Hawaii

Tropical Storm Moke is on track to bring up to 15 inches of rain to Hawaii this weekend, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm is expected to skirt just south of the islands, delivering heavy rainfall and gusty winds as it skirts the Big Island on Saturday night and early Sunday, before impacting the remaining islands early next week.

Moke currently has maximum sustained winds of 50 mph, but is expected to strengthen over the course of the day. Although it is not anticipated to make landfall in Hawaii, the storm's impact will still be felt across the islands, particularly on the windward and southeast sides of the Big Island. This rainfall may result in life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in steep terrain and areas previously affected by Hurricane Lala last weekend.

Hurricane Lala, a Category 1 storm, made direct landfall just 30 miles off the Big Island's coast, unleashing wind gusts over 80 mph and torrential rain, with some regions receiving more than 3 feet of precipitation. In contrast, Moke's rainfall totals are projected to range from 5 to 10 inches across the Big Island, with up to 15 inches in select locations.

Eastern Maui, the second-largest island, will receive 1 to 2 inches on average, with some areas experiencing up to 4 inches. Hawaii has activated its joint information center in response to the storm, following the deactivation of the center for Hurricane Lala. The activation of this center is aimed at coordinating information and updates for the public through the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.

The islands are currently experiencing the effects of an El Niño climate pattern, characterized by warming waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean. This phenomenon is contributing to a particularly active hurricane season in the region, as it reduces vertical wind shear and makes it easier for tropical systems to develop and thrive.