Tropical Storm Ana could graze Hawaii as hurricane

Tropical Storm Ana is forecast to pass near Hawaii over the weekend, potentially as a Category 1 hurricane.

Southern parts of the Big Island and Kauai are at greatest risk of flooding from rain and tropical storm-force winds, AccuWeather meteorologist Dan Kottlowski said.

Winds up to 70 mph could damage trees and cause power outages. There could also be isolated mudslides.

The current forecast calls for the storm to pass southwest of the Big Island on Saturday before heading south of Oahu on Sunday and Kauai the following day.

A tropical storm watch was posted for the Big Island by the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. On Thursday, Ana was located about 490 miles southeast of Hilo, Hawaii, and had sustained winds of 60 mph. It was moving to the west at 10 mph.

All public schools will be closed Friday because of the pending storm. Darryl Oliveira, director of Hawaii County civil defense, said residents should stock up on water in case of water shortages.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has declared a state of emergency, which allows the state to access state and federal resources for preparation and recovery if needed.

The most recent hurricane to hit Hawaii was Iniki, which walloped Kauai as a Category 4 hurricane in 1992, killing six people and destroying more than 1,400 homes.

In August, Iselle approached the Big Island as a hurricane but weakened to a tropical storm when it made landfall. It still caused widespread power outages and damage.

Contributing: The Associated Press