Little changed between early evening and late night Friday for Tropical Storm Moke, as it continued on a west-northwest track, moving about 8 mph, with its center still forecast to pass south of the Big Island this weekend and then the smaller Hawaiian Islands early next week.
Moke was about 545 miles southeast of Hilo as of the 11 p.m. storm advisory from Central Pacific Hurricane Center. It still had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph with higher gusts.
Tropical storm force winds extended outward from the storms center up to 175 miles.
However, given the expected track south of the islands and compact nature of the storm, likelihood of tropical storm watches or warnings being necessary for the main Hawaiian Islands remains very low.
“The enhanced pressure gradient north of Moke, combined with moisture associated with the cyclone interacting with the island terrain, will likely produce gusty winds and periods of heavy rainfall across portions of the state,” the 11 p.m. update said.
Key messages from late Friday night update
Rainfall and flooding
Heavy rainfall associated with Moke remains forecast to begin impacting the Big Island late Saturday, with rain spreading westward across the remainder of the Hawaiian Islands from Sunday into Monday.
Rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches, with maximum amounts of up to 15 inches in some areas, are expected around the Big Island, focused mainly in windward and southeast areas of the island.
That brings the threat of life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain and over locations that only a week ago were hit hard by Hurricane Lala, including Kaʻū communities such as Nāʻālehu, Pāhala and Waiʻōhinu.
A flood watch will be in effect from late Saturday night through Monday afternoon for the Big Island.
Meanwhile, rainfall total of 1 to 2 inches, with maximum amounts of 4 inches, are forecast for eastern Maui and 1 to 2 inches of rain are possible for the remainder of the state, including Kaua‘i.
Winds and surf
The strongest winds associated with Moke are expected to pass south of the Hawaiian Islands, but strong gusty winds are likely, particularly in areas within and downslope of higher terrain.
Swells generated by the storm are expected to impact exposed east- and south-facing shores of the state, with the possibility of life-threatening surf and rip current conditions this weekend and early next week.
Impacts from Moke could be aggravated in locations still recovering from Hurricane Lala, particularly in areas where soils remain saturated.
More from the forecast
A low- to mid-level ridge is forecast to strengthen north of Moke during the next few days, which should steer the cyclone west-northwestward at a slightly faster forward speed.
“This motion is expected to take the core of Moke south of the main Hawaiian Islands,” said the Central Pacific Hurricane Center update.
Moderate southwesterly vertical wind shear continues to displace the deepest convection north of the low-level circulation center, where convection has expanded in coverage and cloud-top temperatures cooled during the past several hours.
Despite those developments, gradual strengthening of the tropical storm during the next day or two is still forecast.
“Thereafter, dry mid-level air is expected to become increasingly entrained into the circulation while vertical wind shear remains unfavorable late this weekend into early next week,” said the 11 p.m. update.
Moke will then begin to steadily weaken as it passes well south of the smaller Islands.
Residents of Hawai‘i should continue to closely monitor Moke’s forecast and watch information from the National Weather Service forecast office in Honolulu for local forecasts, including any advisories, watches or warnings issued.
Kauaʻi County preparations
Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency is monitoring Tropical Storm Moke and continues to coordinate closely with Kauaʻi County, state and federal partners as well as non-government organizations and community partners.
The agency will provide updates as conditions warrant.
County officials encourage the public to check and replenish emergency disaster kits, which should include at least a 14-day supply of non-perishable food, 1 gallon of water per person per day, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, an extra supply of prescription medicines and other items tailored to individual and family needs.
A smaller, portable go-kit is also recommended should you need to evacuate.
The public also is advised to check conditions before venturing out for hiking, river or beach excursions, as weather conditions can change rapidly, especially possible flash flooding.
Standard tips to prepare for power outages from Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative:
- Use surge protectors to protect appliances and equipment.
- Turn off and unplug all unnecessary appliances or equipment.
- Keep a portable battery-powered radio and flashlights with extra batteries.
- Stay away from downed lines and report to 9-1-1.
Tune in to local media broadcast channels for the most current information. The following resources also are available for emergency preparedness:
- Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency.
- National Weather Service or automated weather line at 808-245-6001.
- Kauaʻi County Department of Water or 808-245-5400.
- Road and closure conditions: 808-241-1725.
The 9-1-1 service is only for life-threatening or time-critical emergencies. Contact Kauaʻi Police Department Dispatch at 808-241-1711 to report non-emergency road hazards and other non-emergency situations.
Speak with a county lifeguard, click here or call Kauaʻi Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984 for up-to-date ocean conditions and safety information.
To sign up for Everbridge, Sign up for Everbridge, the county’s emergency notification service online, text KAUAIEMA to 888777 or call Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.
Hawai‘i Department of Transportation preparations
Kaua‘i Highways continuing to clear trestles from Wailuā River Bridge and vegetation from the vicinity of Kainahola Bridge on the temporary Kapa‘a Bypass Road. Vegetation clearing at Kainahola is expected to continue through next week.
Lῑhu‘e Airport staff reports that air-side and land-side inspections and pre-storm preparations were completed and staff is standing by.
