NOAA's latest Pacific advisories do not describe one combined threat. They describe three separate systems in different locations, with different hazards and different levels of concern. That distinction matters because a storm name alone cannot tell you whether your beach, road, island, or travel itinerary is affected.
What Iselle means for Baja California
The National Hurricane Center's 9 a.m. UTC advisory placed Tropical Storm Iselle near 20.7N, 119.9W, about 660 miles west of the southern tip of Baja California. It had maximum sustained winds near 70 mph and was moving northwest at about 15 mph. No coastal watches or warnings were in effect.
The main listed land-adjacent concern was surf. Swells generated by Iselle were affecting the west coast of the Baja California Peninsula and were expected to continue for a couple of days. The NHC said those swells could create life-threatening surf and rip-current conditions. Check local beach closures, surf statements, and rip-current guidance before swimming, surfing, boating, or walking exposed shorelines.
What Lala means for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
The Central Pacific Hurricane Center placed Tropical Storm Lala near 34.7N, 175.9W, about 495 miles north of Pearl and Hermes Atoll and 455 miles north-northeast of Kure Atoll. Maximum sustained winds had decreased to about 50 mph, and additional weakening was expected. There were no coastal watches or warnings, and the land-hazard section said none.
The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands are not the same as the main Hawaiian Islands. A reference to Lala near the monument should not be presented as a statewide warning for Honolulu, Maui, the Big Island, Kauai, or other populated communities. Marine operators and conservation staff should continue to use the newest CPHC advisory and marine products.
What Moke means for Hawaii
Moke is no longer the active land-impact story in the latest product. The CPHC described the system as remnants near 16.3N, 164.1W, about 360 miles east of Johnston Island, moving west near 14 mph with winds around 35 mph. No coastal watches or warnings were in effect, the land-hazard section said none, and the advisory was identified as the last public advisory for the system.
That update supersedes the earlier forecast language about rain and gusty winds across parts of the Big Island and Maui. Residents and visitors should use current NWS Honolulu forecasts and county notices for any local rain, flood, wind, surf, or road concern instead of relying on yesterday's tropical-depression forecast.
What residents and travelers should check
- For beaches: read local surf and rip-current statements. Do not judge ocean safety by calm conditions at one nearby location.
- For driving: check the local National Weather Service office and transportation agency for flooding, debris, closures, and visibility.
- For boating: use the current marine forecast, small-craft guidance, and harbor notices.
- For flights and tours: verify schedules and operating conditions directly with the airline, airport, ferry, park, or tour operator.
- For emergencies: follow county or local emergency-management instructions and never drive through floodwater.
Why the forecast changed
Tropical systems weaken, move, merge with other weather, or lose organized circulation. A previous advisory can remain online after a newer one has changed the practical risk. Always check the issue time and read the hazard-specific sections, not just the storm label or forecast cone.
What to watch next
The useful next checks are whether Iselle's surf threat continues along Baja, whether Lala completes its expected weakening north of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, and whether local Hawaiian offices issue any independent weather products. A local warning or closure is more actionable than a broad social-media summary.
FAQ
Are Iselle, Lala, and Moke the same storm?
No. They are separate Pacific systems with separate advisories, locations, and hazards.
Is Hawaii under a statewide warning because of Lala?
The latest CPHC advisory listed no coastal watches or warnings and no land hazards for Lala, which was north of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Check current local products for any separate weather issue.
Is Moke still a tropical depression?
The latest CPHC product described Moke as remnants and said it was the last public advisory. Its listed land hazards were none.
Where should I get the next update?
Start with the National Hurricane Center or Central Pacific Hurricane Center, then use the National Weather Service office and local emergency managers serving your location.
Bottom line
Iselle, Lala, and Moke should be read as three separate forecast stories. Iselle's remaining concern is dangerous surf and rip currents along parts of Baja. Lala is weakening far north of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Moke's final public advisory listed remnants and no land hazards. For an actual decision, use the newest local official product for your location.
Sources
- National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Iselle Advisory, checked August 25, 2026.
- Central Pacific Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Lala Advisory, checked August 25, 2026.
- Central Pacific Hurricane Center, Moke final public advisory, checked August 25, 2026.
- National Weather Service Honolulu, for local Hawaii forecasts and alerts.
- Ready.gov hurricane guidance, for general preparedness.