Hector to skirt south of Hawaii

HONOLULU -- Hurricane Hector has weakened to a category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph 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. The eye of the storm is expected to pass about 150 miles south of the Big Island.

Hurricane-force winds can extend up to 35 miles from the center and tropical storm-force winds up to 105 miles.

The National Weather Service said 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.