Tropical Storm Moke is advancing toward Hawaii, bringing the threat of heavy rain and strong winds just one week after the islands experienced similar conditions from Hurricane Lala. Residents on Hawaii Island, also known as the Big Island, began preparing on Saturday for the latest storm.

Moke's approach is significant as Hawaii Island is still recovering from Hurricane Lala, a Category 1 storm that caused widespread flooding and power outages, and resulted in at least one fatality. The proximity of back-to-back significant storm systems highlights the vulnerability of the island chain to severe weather.

As of Saturday at 11 a.m. Hawaii Standard Time, Tropical Storm Moke was situated approximately 684 kilometers (425 miles) south of Hilo, on Hawaii Island's eastern coast. The storm was moving west-northwest at 19 km/h (12 mph), with maximum sustained winds reported by the National Hurricane Center at 85 km/h (50 mph).

Officials are urging residents to prepare for Moke's impacts, which are expected to be less severe than Lala's but still potentially significant. Governor Josh Green stated that the state is pre-positioning resources and has authorized additional hotel rooms for those needing shelter or safety.

While most power outages from Hurricane Lala have been resolved on Hawaii Island, some remote areas are still without electricity, with full restoration anticipated by September 8. The state's response efforts are focused on ensuring essential services and public safety ahead of Moke's expected passage.

The National Hurricane Center forecasts that Moke will pass south of Hawaii Island overnight into Sunday morning. The storm is then expected to continue a westward track near the islands through early Tuesday, according to meteorologists. Impacts are anticipated to be concentrated on the windward and southeast sides of the Big Island.

Rainfall totals are projected to range from 130 mm to 250 mm (5 to 10 inches) over the next two days on the southeast and windward sections of Hawaii Island, with isolated areas possibly receiving up to 380 mm (15 inches). Eastern Maui may also experience rainfall.

Forecasters anticipate that Moke will likely spare Hawaii Island a direct, destructive hit, similar to Hurricane Lala. However, the cumulative effects of prolonged rainfall and wind could exacerbate existing recovery challenges and pose additional risks to infrastructure and residents.