Tropical Storm Moke made landfall in Hawaii arriving somewhat faster than originally forecast. Flooding has been reported across multiple Big Island areas. The compound effects ONYX projected are being documented: areas with incomplete drainage recovery from Lala’s prior 30+ inches are flooding faster with lower Moke totals. Landslide risk on saturated slopes is elevated.

THE COMPOUND STORM IN PRACTICE 

▸  Drainage infrastructure damaged by Lala has reduced capacity; Moke’s water is overwhelming already-stressed systems

▸  Saturated soil is producing faster runoff than infiltration, amplifying flood events

▸  Lala-destabilized hillsides are experiencing Moke-triggered landslides at lower rainfall thresholds

▸  Infrastructure already damaged by Lala is experiencing additional impacts before repairs completed

THE FEMA RESOURCE PICTURE 

FEMA is simultaneously managing active responses in Nevada (Hawk Fire), Hawaii (Moke), and Indiana (Day 22), while pre-positioning for Atlantic hurricane season peaking September 10 — 13 days away. The Disaster Relief Fund remains below adequate levels for an above-normal hurricane season.

Moke arrived faster than forecast on soil that was already saturated and infrastructure already compromised. That is what the compound storm effect looks like in practice.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT 

▸  Flooding and landslide assessment across the Big Island

▸  Additional infrastructure damage on top of Lala’s prior impacts

▸  FEMA resource allocation across simultaneous active responses

▸  September 10 Atlantic hurricane season peak — 13 days away

CONFIDENCE: HIGH

Tropical Storm Moke landfall, faster-than-forecast arrival, and flooding reports are from confirmed reporting. Compound storm effects are from ONYX August 24-26 documentation.

SOURCES

▸  Confirmed reporting — Tropical Storm Moke landfall Hawaii, August 28, 2026