The Central Pacific Hurricane Center is monitoring Tropical Storm Neki, which has formed far south of the Hawaiian islands and is expected to move safely away from the state.

At 11 a.m. today, Neki was 740 miles south of Honolulu, moving northwest near 15 mph, forecasters said, noting that this general motion is expected to continue over the next 36 hours.

Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph with higher gusts and Neki is forecast to become a hurricane tomorrow.

Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 60 miles from the center.

Based on the forecast, Neki is expected to pass close to Johnston Island as a hurricane by mid week

"Anyone in the vicinity of Johnston Island is urged to closely monitor the progress of Neki. A hurricane watch may be issued for Johnston Island later today or tonight," the center's 11 a.m. advisory said.