Tropical Storm Moke forms and threatens Hawaii with heavy rain and strong winds

Tropical Storm Moke formed in the Pacific Ocean on Friday and is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to Hawaii, with the state still recovering from the damage caused by Hurricane Lala.According to the National Hurricane Center, Moke was about 595 miles (960 kilometres) southeast of Hilo and moving west-northwest at 12 mph (19 kph). The storm had maximum sustained winds of around 45 mph (75 kph).Heavy rain and strong winds from Moke are expected to reach Hawaii late Saturday, with the storm moving west across the islands through early Tuesday, National Weather Service meteorologist Casey Oswant said.The southeast and windward areas of Hawaii could receive 5 to 10 inches (13 to 25 centimetres) of rain, with isolated totals reaching 15 inches (38 centimetres). Other parts of the island chain could see 1 to 2 inches of rain, while some areas of east Maui could receive up to 4 inches.The storm comes as Hawaii continues to deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Lala, which brought intense rainfall, flooding and strong winds last weekend. More than 43 inches of rain was recorded along the northeast coast of Hawaii, causing flooding that swept homes from their foundations and damaged roads and bridges.Around 11,630 customers remained without power on Friday, according to poweroutage.us as quoted by AP. Hawaiian Electric said it expects to restore power to nearly all affected customers, apart from some remote areas and locations that suffered severe damage.The National Hurricane Center warned that Moke's rainfall could trigger dangerous rip currents, flooding and mudslides, particularly in steep areas where the ground remains saturated from Lala.No coastal watches or warnings were in effect Friday evening, but residents were urged to closely monitor the storm and prepare for further impacts.State officials, including governor Josh Green, have also urged residents to replenish emergency supplies and keep enough food, medicine and other essentials for up to 14 days as Moke approaches.