Tropical Storm Moke advances toward Hawaii as winds strengthen

Tropical Storm Moke is intensifying as it moves toward Hawaii, bringing the threat of heavy rainfall and strong gusts, particularly to the Big Island. This region is still recovering from the severe flooding and damaging winds caused by Hurricane Lala.

Moke, which formed Friday in the Pacific Ocean, was located approximately 470 miles southeast of Hilo, moving west-northwest at 12 mph. Its maximum sustained winds have reached about 50 mph. Forecasters expect the storm to pass south of the Big Island late Saturday into early Sunday, with the island likely bearing the brunt of the storm's impact.

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There will still be impacts, especially to the windward and southeast sides of the Big Island, but it will probably be a little bit more limited than what we saw with Lala.

While Moke's effects may be somewhat more limited than Hurricane Lala's, which downed trees, damaged infrastructure, and caused one death, significant impacts are still anticipated. The southeast and windward sides of the Big Island could receive 5 to 10 inches of rain, with isolated areas possibly seeing up to 15 inches. Other islands are expected to receive less rainfall.

Authorities are urging residents to monitor the storm closely. The National Weather Service warns that the rainfall could lead to dangerous rip currents, life-threatening flooding, and mudslides, especially in hilly terrain and areas with saturated ground. Governor Josh Green has advised residents to prepare by stocking up on essential supplies.

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There's definitely tension in the air at the thought of more rain in communities that floodwaters turned into rivers.