Tropical Storm Moke Batters Hawaii With Heavy Rainfall

Tropical Storm Moke tracked south of Hawaii on August 23, 2026, delivering torrential rains and severe flood risks to the Big Island and Maui, regions still suffering from extensive damage caused by Hurricane Lala last week.

Meteorologists at the National Hurricane Center reported Moke carrying top sustained winds between 35 and 40 mph as it moved westward. Weather models project rainfall totals ranging from 5 to 10 inches across the Big Island, with isolated areas receiving up to 15 inches. Saturated soil conditions from Lala have significantly increased the potential for life-threatening flash floods and mudslides on steep windward and southeast slopes.

"Should stay off the roads and shelter in place," said Kimo Alameda, Hawaii County Mayor.

Local authorities opened multiple emergency shelters across Hawaii County to accommodate displaced residents. Government officials stressed that emergency preparations remain essential as recovery crews continue restoring infrastructure damage inflicted by the previous storm system, which left more than 6,500 customers without electricity and caused two fatalities.

"Recent impacts from Tropical Storm Lala mean that even light to moderate rain and wind could trigger flooding, debris, downed trees, roadway issues and power outages," said Richard Bissen, Maui County Mayor.

County departments across Maui initiated emergency responses while local officials advised residents to prepare for additional power disruptions and hazardous road conditions.

"We know many in our community are experiencing storm fatigue and still recovering from last weekend's weather system, so mahalo for continuing to look out for one another and staying prepared — especially because we are up against an above-average hurricane season," said Richard Bissen, Maui County Mayor.

The state activated its joint information center through the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to deliver public updates. State officials dispatched 189 Hawaii National Guard members to assist in clearing debris, search and rescue operations, and extractions across Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island.

"The public is strongly urged to avoid forested and coastal areas," according to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.

State authorities warned that emergency rescue operations in hazardous terrain could face severe delays due to unstable vegetation and landslides.

"Our teams are working on two fronts: helping communities recover from Lala while preparing for Moke," said Josh Green, Hawaii Governor.

Governor Green submitted an emergency declaration request to the White House to secure federal disaster assistance. Meteorologists noted that an active El Niño pattern in the eastern Pacific Ocean continues to produce warm ocean waters, fueling tropical cyclone development across the region.