On it current track, the Category 3 hurricane is expected to pass about 100 miles south of the Big Island tomorrow night, generating surf up to 25 feet, tropical storm force winds up to 74 mph and up to 10 inches of rain in Hilo, Puna and Ka'u.

"Let's all hope for the best," Kim told representatives from county emergency agencies, utility companies and others at a 5 p.m. briefing.

The worst case, he said, would be if the hurricane shifts north, which would mean the Big Island could feel a direct impact. As a precaution, all schools — private, public and the University of Hawai'i — will be closed tomorrow, along with all parks and trails.

Troy Kindred, administrator for the Hawai'i County Civil Defense Agency, urged residents to get any supplies they need today and prepare their homes for high winds and heavy rain. He also urged residents to take evacuation warnings seriously.

"This is potentially a very dangerous storm," he said. As for tourists, Kim said all the hotels have warned their guests of the storm and are planning to evacuate on-site if needed. Kim said those planning trips to the Big Island need not cancel, but also said the carriers could cancel flights and at some point the airport could close.

"The hotels and resorts have very good emergency plans," Kim said.

Lifeguards are calling in surf updates to the Civil Defense Agency every two hours and the American Red Cross is preparing to open one shelter in each district tonight for residents who feel unsafe in their homes. The county has issued no mandatory evacuation orders, but has asked those in the Vacationland subdivision to leave because the area is low-lying.

Kim also said the governor has activated the Hawai'i National Guard. Kim has also discussed the storm with FEMA, which has pledged personnel.