"HONOLULU -- A powerful Pacific storm predicted to grow to hurricane force churned toward Hawaii, bringing with it heavy rains and potentially destructive winds that could begin hitting the state later Friday.

Forecasters said that the storm likely will bring 40 to 50 mph winds to the Big Island's Kau, Puna and South Kona districts.

"Right now, we expect the main impacts to be on the Big Island," National Weather Service meteorologist Ray Tanabe said Thursday. The weather service has issued a tropical storm watch for the island."

Audrey McAvoy reports for the Associated Press October 17, 2014. [2]