Hawaii's Big Island Faces Another Foot of Rain Just After Lala's Deadly Flooding and Landslides Hawaii is bracing for another round of heavy rainfall and potential flooding as Tropical Storm Moke approaches, just weeks after the devastating impact of Hurricane Lala. The Big Island, already reeling from catastrophic flooding and landslides caused by Lala last weekend, now faces the threat of additional torrential downpours that could exacerbate existing damage. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings, emphasizing the risks of flash flooding and further destabilization of already vulnerable areas. Tropical Storm Moke, currently located more than 500 miles southeast of Hilo, is moving west-northwest toward the Hawaiian Islands. The storm was first identified as a tropical depression on Thursday and upgraded to a tropical storm on Friday. While its projected path takes it farther south of the islands compared to Lala’s previous track, meteorologists caution that proximity to the Big Island remains a significant concern. The storm’s closest approach to the island is expected to occur on Sunday, after which it will shift southward on Monday. The National Hurricane Center’s forecast indicates that rainfall will intensify by Sunday, with the Big Island facing 5 to 15 inches of rain, particularly over mountainous regions and eastern slopes. This level of precipitation could trigger life-threatening flash flooding and landslides, especially in areas already weakened by Lala’s storm surge. A flood watch has been issued for the Big Island, highlighting the urgency of preparedness efforts. Maui is also under threat, with up to 4 inches of rain anticipated, while the smaller islands could see up to 2 inches.#hawaii #national_hurricane_center #hurricane_lala #big_island #tropical_storm_moke
