HONOLULU — Tropical Depression Moke continued moving west of Hawaii early Monday while producing heavy rain and gusty winds across parts of the Big Island and Maui.
As of the National Hurricane Center’s late Sunday advisory, Moke was centered about 380 miles southwest of Hilo with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph. The system was moving west at about 13 mph. No coastal watches or warnings were in effect.
Forecasters said the center of Moke was expected to pass southwest of the Big Island overnight before moving well south of the smaller Hawaiian Islands Monday. Although the storm has weakened from tropical-storm strength, moisture associated with the system remains capable of producing significant rainfall.
The National Hurricane Center said an additional 3 to 6 inches of rain could fall across the Big Island through Monday, with similar totals possible across eastern Maui. The rainfall could lead to dangerous flooding and mudslides, particularly in steep terrain and areas of the Big Island affected by recent heavy rain. Western Maui and other islands could receive 1 to 2 inches.
Gusty winds are also possible across the Hawaiian Islands, especially in higher elevations. Moke is expected to continue weakening, become a remnant low by late Monday and dissipate Tuesday.
