Flash flood threat continues for portions of Big Island as Moke continues moving far west
A flood watch remains in effect through Monday for Hawaiʻi Island because areas are still wet and saturated from Hurricane Lala.
Updated 5 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 23.
Tropical depression Moke now is 445 miles southwest of Hilo, but the National Hurricane Center said there is still a threat of flash floods for portions of the Big Island, according to the 5 a.m. Monday advisory.
The storm is expected to produce additional rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches today on the Big Island.
A flood watch for Hawai’i Island remains in effect through Monday afternoon.
The National Hurricane Center continues to issue this warning: “These rainfall amounts may produce areas of flash flooding for the windward and southeast Big Island, especially in steep terrain and over areas that were affected recently by Lala. Flood prone and low lying locations, as well as urban areas may also see instances of flash flooding.”
The storm is traveling west at 14 mph, and still will bring gusty winds to the Big island.
Continued weakening is forecast, and Moke is expected to degenerate to a remnant low pressure area by Tuesday as it travels well south of the other Hawaiian Islands.
Hawaiʻi County advises the public that power and communication outages should be anticipated, as well as hazardous road conditions.
Those in flood prone areas, especially those impacted by Hurricane Lala, should be prepared for possible additional flooding impacts.
Shelters for Sunday night
For those in need of shelter assistance on Sunday night through Monday, two are open in Hawaiʻi County and are operating with generator power:
- Nāʻālehu Elementary School gym, 95-5545 Māmalahoa Highway, Nāʻālehu.
- Robert N. Herkes Gym, 96-1219 Kamani St., Pāhala.
Anyone who comes to a shelter should bring their own supplies, including food, water, sleeping bags and any necessary medicine. Shelters are pet friendly; however, pets must be kept in a carrier.
Hot showers are available at Robert N. Herkes Gym. Bring your own towels and hygiene products.
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 should operate as regularly scheduled; however, delays, re-routing and cancellations could occur at a moment’s notice.
The Hilo park and ride spot on Kamehameha Avenue will be moved to the Kuawa Park parking lot if Kamehameha Avenue floods.
Monitor local radio broadcasts for additional updates and official advisories in your area.
Contact Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense at 808-935-0031 or visit the Civil Defense website for additional information or with any questions. The site also includes several tropical cyclone resources.
Be sure to also check the Hawai‘i County Hazard Impact Map for information about impacts and hazards from Moke.
Access to Pāhala and Waiʻōhinu/Nāʻālehu via Highway 11 remains limited only to local/disaster response.
“State and county teams are ready to respond and I urge everyone to remain alert, follow official updates and avoid unnecessary risks as the storm passes,” said Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green on Saturday in a state release.
State parks still closed because of Hurricane Lala will remain closed through the weekend.
Kekaha Kai, Wailuku River, ʻAkaka Falls and MacKenzie state parks remain open but are prepared to close today. Keanakolu and Ainapo cabins and the Puna Trail are closed.
Storm-related closures and status of state-managed lands are available at the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources website.
Small boat harbors and their restrooms remain open. Vessel groundings should be immediately reported to the state Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation.
State health officials continue to monitor health and medical operations statewide.
Air medical and ground EMS services are operating normally statewide. Hospitals are operating at normal capacity. The Medical Operations Coordination Center continues to monitor 9-1-1, EMS, air medical services, hospitals and Healthcare Emergency Management Coalition.
Other state departments as well as University of Hawaiʻi continue closely watching Moke and standing by if their resources are necessary, any closures are issued and if their response is needed for any potential impacts.
The fall semester at all 10 university and community college campuses throughout the state begins Monday.
Check the National Weather Service Honolulu forecast office website for your specific community/area forecast and to stay updated about any other advisories, watches or warnings are issued.
