Storm expected to pass south of Big Island late Saturday into Sunday
Tropical Storm Moke formed in the Pacific Ocean on Friday, the National Hurricane Center reported, and was advancing toward Hawaii on Saturday, likely bringing heavy rainfall and strong gusts to the islands. As of 5 a.m. local time, the storm was located about 470 miles (755 kilometers) southeast of Hilo and moving west-northwest at 12 mph (19 kph).
Moke carried maximum sustained winds of around 50 mph (85 kph) at that reading, the hurricane center said. Forecasters expected the Big Island to bear the brunt of Moke’s rain and heavy winds as the storm passes south of a direct hit late Saturday into early Sunday.
The Big Island was still dealing with the aftermath of heavy flooding and damaging winds from Hurricane Lala, according to the AP.
Forecasters said Moke was expected to bring more heavy rainfall and strong gusts to the Big Island.
“Moke will then continue its westward path near the islands through early Tuesday,” said Casey Oswant, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Honolulu.
The hurricane center was tracking Moke at tropical-storm intensity at its 5 a.m. Saturday advisory as the system moved west-northwest across the Pacific toward the Hawaiian islands.