Updated 11:44 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22
Tropical Storm Moke — if it hasn’t already — likely will reach its peak intensity soon.
Central Pacific Hurricane forecasters reported in their 11 a.m. advisory Saturday that dry air is beginning to wrap into the southern portion of the storm’s circulation. That continued entrainment of stable air and an increase in wind shear should cause Moke to begin weakening Sunday, continuing to do so into next week.
The tropical storm remained in a generally steady state throughout this morning. Little change in strength is expected today.
Moke continues to move west-northwest at about 12 mph. That general motion is expected to persist during the next several days as a low- to mid-level ridge continues to strengthen to the storm’s north.
The track should bring the storm’s center roughly a couple of hundred miles south of the Big Island on Sunday and then well south of the smaller main Hawaiian Islands after that.
It also is expected to remain compact, so forecasters have high confidence that no tropical storm watches or warnings remain necessary for the state.
However, Moke is still forecast to be close enough to produce gusty winds in portions of the islands, especially in areas of high terrain, late tonight through early next week. In addition, most of associated moisture is expected to be on the north side of the cyclone, so areas of heavy rain also continue to be forecast during the next few days.
The tropical storm was about 425 miles southeast of Hilo as of the 11 a.m. update from the hurricane center, blowing sustained winds of 50 mph with higher gusts.
Key messages from the 11 a.m. Saturday update
Rainfall: Moke is still expected to produce rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches, with maximum amounts of 15 inches, around the Big Island. These rainfall amounts could produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides for windward and southeast locations of the island, especially in steep terrain and areas that were affected recently by Hurricane Lala.
Those areas include the Kaʻū communities of Nāʻālehu, Pāhala and Waiʻōhinu.
A flood watch will be in effect from late Saturday night through Monday afternoon for windward and southeast Big Island.
Rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches of rain are expected in eastern Maui. Moisture drawn northward from the tropical storm will bring up to 1 to 2 inches of rain across western Maui and remainder of the state, including Kauaʻi.
Wind: Gusty winds are expected throughout the Hawaiian Islands beginning late Saturday and continuing Sunday, especially in areas of high terrain.
Surf: Swells generated by the storm could produce elevated surf near the state’s exposed east- and south-facing shores through early next week.
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.
Hawai‘i Department of Transportation preparations
Kaua‘i Highways cleared 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 air-side and land-side inspections and pre-storm preparations were completed and staff is standing by.
