Tropical Storm Moke approached Hawaii on Sunday, bringing potential downpours to Big Island communities recovering from Hurricane Lala. The National Hurricane Center reported Moke’s center was about 310 miles (500 kilometers) south of Hilo on Sunday morning. The storm’s winds reached 45 mph (75 kph), yet the primary concern remains the heavy rainfall that could exacerbate the damage from the previous hurricane. Hurricane Lala was responsible for toppling trees, cutting power, triggering mudslides, and damaging infrastructure. Authorities confirmed two deaths related to the hurricane.

According to forecasts, Moke could deliver up to 10 inches of rain to the Big Island, with isolated regions potentially receiving as much as 15 inches. This volume is likely to cause hazardous flooding and mudslides, particularly in windward and southeast slopes. These areas are already vulnerable due to Lala’s impact. Eastern Maui is forecasted to receive up to 6 inches of rain, while other islands might get an inch or two, the hurricane center reported. The Big Island, already heavily impacted by Lala, was expected to face the harshest conditions as Moke travels westward, remaining south of Hawaii’s island chain.

The northeast coast of the Big Island recorded the highest rainfall from Hurricane Lala, with 43.54 inches (1.1 meters), according to the weather service. On Sunday, over 6,700 customers, mainly from the Big Island, were without electricity, as reported by poweroutage.us.

Despite no coastal watches or warnings being issued, residents were urged to remain vigilant and track Moke’s development. Hawaii Governor Josh Green and state officials held a press briefing before the storm’s arrival, advising citizens to stock up on necessities such as food and medicine. “There’s definitely tension in the air,” remarked Tiffany Edwards Hunt, a teacher from Keaau, on the Big Island’s east side, expressing the community’s anxiety over more rainfall in already flood-affected areas.