Moke strengthens as Hawaii braces for heavy rain and gusty winds

Tropical Storm Moke is strengthening as it moves west-northwest toward the Hawaiian Islands, bringing heavy rainfall (5–10 inches on the Big Island, with isolated totals up to 15 inches) and gusty winds tonight into Sunday. The center is forecast to pass south of the Big Island, with winds remaining robust but gradually weakening. Residents should be alert for potential life-threatening flooding and mudslides in windward terrain; Maui could see 3–6 inches of rain on the east side, with 1–2 inches elsewhere. Swells from Moke will affect eastern and southern shores over the next few days, and another advisory is expected around 5 p.m. HST.