Tropical Storm Moke Brings Fresh Rain to Hawaii’s Big Island After Hurricane Lala

Tropical Storm Moke is passing south of the Hawaiian Islands and dropping additional rain on the Big Island, a week after Hurricane Lala caused widespread damage. Forecasters expect five to ten inches of rain, mostly on the Big Island, where soils remain saturated.

Hurricane Lala killed multiple people, dropped more than 40 inches of rain in places, damaged roads and hillsides, and left thousands without power, some until September 8. Governor Josh Green said infrastructure damage already exceeds $43 million and home damage at least $4.6 million. He has requested a federal emergency declaration.

A flood watch remains in effect through Monday afternoon. Green warned that the new rain is impactful because of the recent deluge. Drier weather is expected to return on Tuesday.

The successive storms highlight the vulnerability of the Big Island’s infrastructure and the time required for recovery after extreme rainfall events.