Tropical Storm Moke Threatens Hawaii

Tropical Storm Moke is advancing toward Hawaii, expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong gusts to the Big Island, which is still recovering from Hurricane Lala. The storm formed Friday in the Pacific Ocean with sustained winds of around 50 mph.

The National Hurricane Center warned that Moke could produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas recently affected by Hurricane Lala. The Big Island is projected to receive 3-6 inches of rain on eastern Maui, with up to 15 inches in isolated areas. While the storm is expected to stay farther south than Lala's path, its larger size means impacts will still be significant.

The center of Tropical Storm Moke is not expected to make landfall and will pass to the south of the Hawaiian islands, but up to 15 inches of rain could fall across Big Island. Potential damage from Tropical Storm Moke is set to occur less than a week after Hurricane Lala battered the islands.

Hawaii remains in recovery mode from Hurricane Lala, which killed at least two people including a 90-year-old woman. The storm destroyed more than 100 homes and caused an estimated $3-5 billion in damage across the state. As of Saturday, about 8,000 customers on the Big Island were still without power, though Hawaiian Electric expects most to have service restored except in severely damaged areas.

The storm system follows an unusually active Pacific hurricane season fueled by a 'super' El Nino. Meteorologists warn that warmer sea surface temperatures and favorable wind conditions increase the likelihood of direct tropical impacts on Hawaii.