Updated 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23. Moke weakens to tropical depression as it tracks south of Hawaiʻi Island, but forecasters say the storm could still drop an additional 3 to 6 inches of rain through Monday.
According to the National Hurricane Center’s 5 p.m. Sunday advisory, maximum sustained winds have decreased to 35 mph as Moke passes well south of the Big Island. The system continues moving west at 14 mph and may still deliver gusty winds to windward areas.
Moke weakens to tropical depression, flood watch continues
A flood watch for Hawaiʻi Island remains in effect through Monday afternoon. Officials warn the expected rainfall could trigger life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly on the windward and southeast slopes, including steep terrain and places recently affected by Hurricane Lala.
As of the latest update, the center of Moke was about 335 miles south-southwest of Hilo. Continued weakening is forecast, and the system is expected to become a remnant low by Tuesday as it stays well south of the rest of the state.
Hawaiʻi County advises residents to anticipate possible power and communications outages and hazardous road conditions. Those in flood-prone locations, especially communities already impacted by Lala, should be prepared for additional flooding.
Shelters for Sunday night
Two shelters are open in Hawaiʻi County and operating on generator power for Sunday night through Monday:
- Nāʻālehu Elementary School gym, 95-5545 Māmalahoa Highway, Nāʻālehu.
- Robert N. Herkes Gym, 96-1219 Kamani St., Pāhala.
Residents using shelters should bring personal supplies, including food, water, sleeping gear and any required medications. Shelters are pet friendly, but animals must remain in carriers. Hot showers are available at Robert N. Herkes Gym. Bring towels and hygiene items.
Transit updates
The following Hele-On bus routes are canceled today:
- Routes 2, 10, 12 and 90.
- Route 75 at 6:15 a.m. southbound to Kona.
- Route 75 at 3:03 p.m. northbound to Kapaʻau.
All other fixed routes are expected to run, but riders should prepare for possible delays, detours or cancellations. If Kamehameha Avenue floods, the Hilo park-and-ride will shift to the Kuawa Park parking lot.
Roads, parks and state services
Access to Pāhala and Waiʻōhinu/Nāʻālehu via Highway 11 remains limited to local traffic and disaster response. Gov. Josh Green said state and county teams are ready to respond and urged the public to stay alert, follow official updates and avoid unnecessary risks.
State parks that closed following Hurricane Lala will remain closed through the weekend. Kekaha Kai, Wailuku River, ʻAkaka Falls and MacKenzie state parks are open but prepared to close if conditions deteriorate. Keanakolu and Ainapo cabins and the Puna Trail are closed. For updates on state-managed lands, visit the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources website.
Small boat harbors and restrooms remain open. Any vessel groundings should be reported immediately to the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation.
State health officials report air medical and ground EMS services are operating normally statewide. Hospitals are at normal capacity, and the Medical Operations Coordination Center continues monitoring 9-1-1, EMS, air medical services, hospitals and the Healthcare Emergency Management Coalition.
Other state departments and the University of Hawaiʻi continue to monitor Moke. The fall semester begins Monday across all 10 UH university and community college campuses.
How to stay informed
Residents should monitor local radio for updates and heed official advisories. For county information, contact Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense at 808-935-0031 or visit the Civil Defense website, which includes tropical cyclone resources. The Hawaiʻi County Hazard Impact Map provides the latest on local hazards related to Moke.
For detailed forecasts and any new advisories, watches or warnings, check the National Weather Service Honolulu forecast office website.
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