Tropical Storm Moke dumps more rain on hurricane-stricken Hawaii

Tropical Storm Moke was making its way past Hawaii on Sunday, posing a threat to several communities on the Big Island due to heavy rain and potential flooding. The storm's center was located approximately 320 miles south-southwest of Hilo, with sustained winds around 40 mph. However, the primary concern was the rainfall it would bring to areas still recovering from Hurricane Lala, which had caused mudslides, damaged infrastructure, and left over 6,700 customers without electricity.

Forecasters predicted that Moke could drop up to 10 inches of rain across the Big Island, with localized amounts reaching 15 inches. This intense rainfall could lead to life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly on the windward and southeast slopes of steep terrain. Eastern Maui, the next island in the chain, was expected to receive up to 6 inches of rain, while the other islands might get an inch or two.

The Big Island was likely to be hit the hardest by Moke's rain and winds as the storm moved westward and south of the island chain. Governor Josh Green advised residents to prepare by stocking up on food, medicine, and other essentials ahead of Moke's arrival.

Meanwhile, in the eastern Pacific, Tropical Storm Iselle was forming and gaining strength, located about 535 miles southwest of the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsula. Iselle had sustained winds of 50 mph, and while no coastal watches or warnings were issued for it, it had the potential to become a hurricane within a day or two. Strong ocean swells generated by Iselle could impact Baja's western coastline starting Monday.