Tropical Storm Moke Threatens Hurricane-Ravaged Hawaii

Tropical Storm Moke approached Hawaii on Saturday, threatening flooding as communities recovered from Hurricane Lala. The National Hurricane Center said Moke was about 470 miles southeast of Hilo, moving west-northwest at 12 mph with 50-mph sustained winds. The storm was forecast to pass south of the Big Island rather than make a direct landfall, while producing heavy rain and gusty winds late Saturday through Monday. The National Weather Service issued a Big Island flood watch, forecasting 5 to 10 inches of rain and isolated totals up to 15 inches on windward and southeastern slopes. Officials warned that saturated ground could make rainfall dangerous, increasing risks of flash flooding, mudslides and runoff. About 9,000 Big Island customers remained without power Saturday after Lala, which produced 43.54 inches of rain in one area and caused widespread flooding and infrastructure damage. Gov. Green urged residents to replenish essential supplies and monitor official forecasts.