Kailua-Kona, Hawaii HurricaneAna was carving a path south of Hawaii early Saturday, producing high waves, strong winds and heavy rains that prompted a flood advisory.

The center of the powerful Pacific storm was about 170 miles southwest of the Big Island as it passed early Saturday morning and about 225 miles from Honolulu, the National Weather Service said.

There was little chance forhurricaneconditions on the islands, but a tropical storm watch remained in effect throughout the archipelago and the strongest winds were about 80 mph, forecasters said.

"Any of the islands could experience tropical storm impacts ... so it's important to still prepare and make plans," said Chris Brenchley, a weather service meteorologist.

Waves were expected to crest to 10 to 15 feet on both the North and South shores of Hawaii's islands late Saturday and to remain tall through Sunday.5The National Weather Service had a flood advisory in place for Big Island until 1:30 a.m. Saturday (4:30 a.m. PDT), saying rain had been falling in some areas at a rate of 2 to 3 inches an hour. However, the weather service told The Associated Press later that it had no reports of flooding.

Ana (AH-nah) became a Category 1hurricaneearlier in the day when it was about 230 miles south of Hilo.

Shortly before midnight, it had maximum sustained winds of 85 mph and was churning along its course at 13 mph.

Thehurricanewas expected to gradually weaken to become a tropical storm again by early Sunday morning, Brenchley said.

Swells were picking up on the Big Island's south shores Friday afternoon, with 15-foot waves seen in Pohoiki Bay.

The approaching storm didn't stop some tourists in Honolulu from spending time around the beach.

Originally posted here:

Hurricane Ana won't be a direct hit on Hawaii