Tropical Storm Moke forecast to bring another round of rain to already saturated ground

Update: 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 21, 2026
Depression strengthens into Tropical Storm Moke
Heavy rain and gusty winds are likely in portions of the Hawaiian Islands this weekend and early next week.

Strong trades will develop this weekend as Tropical Storm Moke delivers heavy rainfall to windward and southeast slopes of the Big Island. Heavy rain and gusty winds are likely in portions of the Hawaiian Islands this weekend and early next week. A Flood Watch goes into effect for the Big Island from late Saturday night through Monday afternoon.

At 11 a.m. HST, the center of Tropical Storm Moke was located about 660 miles SE of Hilo, Hawaiʻi, near latitude 13.9 North, longitude 147.2 West. Moke is moving toward the west-northwest near 9 mph, and this general motion is expected during the next couple of days. On the forecast track, the center of the storm is expected to pass south of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi this weekend, then south of the smaller main Hawaiian Islands early next week.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 45 mph with higher gusts. Gradual strengthening is forecast over the next day or two. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center.

The minimum central pressure is 1002 mb (29.59 inches) based on data from an Air Force reconnaissance aircraft.

WIND: Gusty winds are likely on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi this weekend, 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 portions of the Hawaiian Islands this weekend and into early next week. These swells may cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

The next complete advisory will be issued at around 5 p.m. HST. Interests in the Hawaiian Islands should closely monitor the progress of this system.