Tropical Storm Moke approaches Hawaii with heavy rain
Tropical Storm Moke is approaching Hawaii, bringing heavy rain and gusty winds. It is expected to pass south of the island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island, overnight. Just a week ago, the island was hit by Hurricane Lala.
As of 11:00 a.m. Hawaii time, the storm was about 684 kilometers south of Hilo on the east coast of Hawaii Island. It was moving west-northwest at 19 km/h, with maximum sustained winds of about 85 km/h, Al Jazeera English reports, citing the U.S. National Hurricane Center.
Rainfall forecast
According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center's forecast, southeastern and windward areas of the Big Island will receive between 130 and 250 mm of rainfall over the next two days. In some areas, rainfall could reach 380 mm.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Eastern Maui is expected to receive between 76 and 150 mm of rain, while lower amounts are forecast for the rest of the Hawaiian archipelago. U.S. National Weather Service meteorologist Casey Oswant said the storm's effects would be felt most strongly in the windward and southeastern parts of the Big Island, but would likely be more limited than during Lala.
Effects of Hurricane Lala
The previous Category 1 Hurricane Lala caused significant flooding and power outages on Hawaii Island. At least one person died. More than 1,000 mm of rain fell in some areas, causing rivers to overflow, while strong winds bent tall palm trees and damaged power lines.
Nearly 130,000 customers were left without electricity. Hawaii Governor Josh Green urged residents to replenish supplies of food, medicine and other essentials before Moke passes. He said authorities had positioned additional equipment and personnel and had also authorized the provision of 100 hotel rooms for people who may need a safe place. Green also said power had been restored to most of the island, although outages continued in some remote areas; full restoration was expected by September 8.
