Hurricane Hector to skirt south of Hawaii as it weakens

This satellite image provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows a view of Hurricane Hector, Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2018, at 00:00 UTC. A tropical storm watch was in effect Monday, Aug. 6 for waters south of the Big Island as Hector was expected to pass Tuesday night and Wednesday as it moved westward. (NOAA via AP)

Associated Press
HONOLULU

Hurricane Hector has weakened to a category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (195 kph) as it passes south of Hawaii’s Big Island.

A tropical storm warning was in place Wednesday for the Big Island with gusty winds, rain and dangerous surf possible. High surf is also expected on the eastern shores of Maui.

[post_ads]The eye of the storm is expected to pass about 150 miles south of the Big Island.

Hurricane force winds can extent up to 35 miles (55 km) from the center and tropical storm-force winds up to 105 miles (165 km).

The National Weather Service says the system will continue to weaken in the coming days as it moves westward.

Hawaii County officials declared a precautionary state of emergency ahead of the storm.