Tropical Storm Moke brings heavy rain to hurricane-stricken Hawaiian islands

Moke passed close enough to Hawaii on Sunday to dump significant rainfall on the Big Island, which is still coping with the aftermath of Hurricane Lala. The National Hurricane Center placed the storm’s eye roughly 310 miles south of Hilo, noting sustained winds of about 45 mph. Meteorologists warned that the system could produce up to 15 inches of rain in isolated spots, enough to trigger life-threatening floods and mudslides on steep, windward slopes already scarred by downed trees and damaged infrastructure.

Eastern Maui was expected to receive up to 6 inches, with the remaining islands seeing one to two inches. Over 6,700 customers, primarily on the Big Island, continued to lack electricity, and state officials, including Governor Josh Green, advised residents to replenish food, medicine and other essentials. No coastal watches were in effect, but authorities asked the public to monitor the storm closely.