Tropical Storm Moke Brings Heavy Rain to Hawaii's Big Island Amid Recovery from Hurricane Lala Tropical Storm Moke developed on Friday, with winds reaching 45 mph, as Hawaii's Big Island prepares for additional rainfall days after Hurricane Lala struck. The storm is expected to move south of the island, bringing heavy rain that could lead to flooding and mudslides. Forecasters predict rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches across the Big Island, with some areas receiving up to 15 inches. This level of rain could cause life-threatening conditions, particularly in steep terrain and regions already damaged by Lala. The storm is anticipated to deliver the heaviest rainfall on Saturday night, continuing through Sunday and into Monday. While Moke is expected to remain weaker than Hurricane Lala, its slow movement and the already saturated ground from previous storms could heighten flood risks. The National Weather Service has issued warnings about the potential for flash flooding and landslides, especially in areas with loose soil or steep slopes. Hurricane Lala, which made landfall as a Category 1 storm on Sunday, left the Big Island in a state of recovery. The storm dumped more than a foot of rain in some parts of the state, with the highest elevations receiving over 40 inches. This extreme rainfall caused widespread damage, including the destruction or severe damage to over 100 homes. Some communities were cut off, and thousands of residents remain without power. Beyond the Big Island, the rest of the Hawaiian Islands are expected to see rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches this weekend, with localized amounts reaching up to 5 inches. While these amounts are less severe than those on the Big Island, they still pose challenges for infrastructure and emergency response.#national_weather_service #hawaiian_islands #hurricane_lala #hawaii_big_island #tropical_storm_moke
Tropical Storm Lala Causes Devastation on Hawaii’s Big Island Tropical storm Lala struck Hawaii’s Big Island, leaving a trail of destruction that included at least 100 damaged homes and bridges, widespread power outages affecting over 100,000 residents, and one confirmed fatality. The storm, which was downgraded to a tropical storm before making landfall, brought torrential rains and strong winds that flooded low-lying areas, swept away structures, and disrupted critical infrastructure. According to AccuWeather, some regions recorded rainfall exceeding 3.5 feet in 48 hours, contributing to the extensive damage. Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda described the impact as “devastation” in certain areas, emphasizing the severity of the storm’s aftermath. The storm’s remnants caused significant disruptions, including the collapse of a major highway in the Big Island’s southeast, which blocked access to Pahala, the region’s only hospital. This development raised concerns about emergency response and medical care for affected communities. The storm’s toll extended beyond physical damage. Hawaiian Electric reported that up to 111,000 customers lost power, with utility crews working to restore electricity. However, rural areas faced prolonged outages, potentially lasting weeks. Helicopters and drones were deployed to assess damage in remote, mountainous regions where access was limited. The storm also claimed a life. A woman reported missing in Naalehu was found dead on Monday, though details about the incident remain unclear. Emergency management director Randy Collins warned that dangers persisted even after the storm passed. “Many casualties often happen after the disaster,” Collins said, citing risks such as working with heavy machinery, downed power lines, and unsafe conditions during cleanup efforts.#josh_green #tropical_storm_lala #hawaii_big_island #kimo_alameda #randy_collins
