Current Status of Tropical Storm Moke
Tropical Storm Moke is currently tracking toward Hawaii after forming over the Pacific Ocean on Friday, August 21, 2026. As of Saturday morning, the center of the storm sat approximately 470 miles southeast of Hilo. It moves in a west-northwest direction at a speed of 12 miles per hour. Meteorologists report maximum sustained winds near 50 miles per hour.
This storm system arrives while residents on the Big Island continue to grapple with the aftermath of Hurricane Lala. That prior event caused significant property damage, including buildings displaced from their foundations and the destruction of critical road infrastructure. One death remains attributed to the previous weather emergency. Local authorities and residents now prepare for a second consecutive weather challenge in less than a week.
Expected Weather Impacts for the Big Island
The National Weather Service expects the Big Island to experience the most severe weather conditions from Moke throughout Saturday and into Sunday. Meteorologists forecast rainfall totals between 5 and 10 inches for windward and southeast areas of the island. Some isolated locations could receive up to 15 inches of rain. While other islands may see less accumulation, the ground in many regions remains saturated from the prior storm.
Flood risks remain a primary concern for local officials. Heavy precipitation carries the potential for dangerous rip currents, flash flooding, and mudslides. These hazards are especially high for residents living in steep terrain or near drainage areas already impacted by recent rainfall. The weather service has urged people across the region to monitor the storm's path closely for any sudden shifts in intensity.
Emergency Response and Industry Context
Hawaii Governor Josh Green and other state officials conducted a briefing to address the incoming weather threat. They urged residents to maintain emergency kits, including extra food, medicine, and water. Power outages persist from the previous storm, with roughly 9,000 customers on the Big Island waiting for grid repairs as of Saturday morning. The infrastructure of the Big Island faces a difficult test as the new storm arrives.
The frequency of these systems highlights the vulnerability of Pacific island communities to severe weather events. In August 2026, the cumulative damage to roads and bridges complicates evacuation efforts and emergency response. Industry experts note that the sequence of storms tests the persistence of regional utility networks. Residents and disaster relief teams are currently preparing for the storm's passage, which is expected to continue through Tuesday as Moke travels along its westward path near the archipelago.