Tropical Depression Moke Brings Heavy Rain to Hawaii’s Big Island

Tropical Depression Moke continued to produce heavy rain across Hawaii’s Big Island on Monday even though its centre remained well south of the main islands.

The National Hurricane Center reported that rain bands associated with the depression were spreading westward. Windward and southeast sections of the Big Island face the greatest risk of life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in steep terrain still damaged by Hurricane Lala a week earlier.

Moke was centred near 15.3 degrees north and 158.6 degrees west at 0900 UTC Monday, moving west at 11 knots. Maximum sustained winds stood at 30 knots. The forecast calls for the system to become a post-tropical remnant low within 24 hours and to dissipate by 48 hours.

Earlier advisories had classified the system as a tropical storm. Persistent southwesterly shear and dry mid-level air have limited further organisation. Forecasts keep the centre south of the Hawaiian chain throughout its remaining life.

Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen noted that residual effects from Lala mean even moderate rain can trigger flooding, debris flows, downed trees and power outages. Residents were urged to remain alert.

Forecasters expect drier conditions to return later in the week once Moke moves away and weakens. Recovery from the previous storm is still under way, so additional rainfall adds to the workload for emergency crews and local authorities.

The sequence of two systems in close succession illustrates the vulnerability of the islands during the Pacific hurricane season. Local agencies continue to monitor river levels, road conditions and power infrastructure while the rain persists.