Flood Watch Issued for Big Island Ahead of Tropical Storm Moke
The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Flood Watch for the Big Island from late Saturday night through Monday afternoon. Tropical Storm Moke is forecast to bring heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding.
The National Weather Service Honolulu HI issued the Flood Watch on August 21 at 2:45 PM HST, and it remains in effect until August 24 at 6:00 PM HST. The watch covers all areas of the Big Island, including Kona, Kohala, Big Island Interior, Big Island Summit, Big Island South, Big Island Southeast, Big Island East, and Big Island North.
Tropical Storm Moke is expected to bring periods of heavy rain to portions of the island from late Saturday night through Monday afternoon. Expected rainfall totals range from 5 to 10 inches, with local amounts up to 15 inches possible on windward and southeast slopes. Saturated grounds from recent heavy rain mean it will not take a significant amount of additional precipitation to cause flash flooding.
Anticipated impacts include potential closures of flood-prone roads and low-lying areas due to elevated runoff and overflowing streams. In urban areas, rapid runoff could lead to more significant flooding and property damage.