Moke strengthens slightly; Heavy rain, gusty winds expected to begin tonight on the Big Island

Update: 7 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026

Tropical Storm Moke is gaining some strength this morning. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center says heavy rain is forecast to impact the Big Island of Hawaiʻi late tonight, spreading westward across the remainder of the Hawaiian Islands Sunday into Monday. Although the strongest winds associated with Moke are expected to pass south of the Hawaiian Islands, strong gusty winds are likely, particularly in areas within and downslope of higher terrain.

At 5 a.m. HST, the center of Tropical Storm Moke was located about 470 miles SE of Hilo, Hawaiʻi, near latitude 14.8 North, longitude 150.2 West. Moke is moving toward the west-northwest near 12 mph and this general motion is expected during the next several days.

On the forecast track, the center of the storm is expected to pass south of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi tonight and early Sunday, then well south of the smaller main Hawaiian Islands early next week.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 50 mph with higher gusts. Some additional strengthening is expected today, but gradual weakening is forecast beginning Sunday. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 115 miles from the center.

The estimated minimum central pressure is 994 mb (29.36 inches). The NWS reports: “Moke will likely strengthen a little more today while it remains in generally conducive environmental conditions. However, the combination of dry air entrainment and an increase in vertical wind shear should cause the storm to gradually lose strength beginning Sunday and continuing into next week.”

WIND: Gusty winds are expected across the Hawaiian Islands tonight and Sunday, especially in areas of high terrain.

RAINFALL: Moke is expected to produce rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches with maximum amounts of 15 inches across the Big Island. Rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches with maximum amounts of 4 inches are expected on eastern Maui. For the remainder of the islands, 1 to 2 inches of rain are possible. This rainfall may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides for the windward and southeast Big Island, especially in steep terrain and over areas that were affected recently by Lala.

SURF: Swells generated by the storm are expected to affect exposed east and south facing shores of the Hawaiian Islands during the next few days. These swells may cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

The NOAA and Air Force Hurricane Hunters are scheduled to investigate the system again later today. Interests in the Hawaiian Islands should closely monitor the progress of this system. Next next complete advisory is due out at around 11 a.m. HST.