Stores around the state reported brisk sales of emergency supplies yesterday, as Hurricane Felicia continued to churn its way across the Pacific toward the Islands, bringing with it the threat of heavy rains, strong winds and high surf.

The storm was downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane late last night and is expected to continue to weaken as it moves over cool Pacific waters on its way to Hawai'i. But forecasters yesterday said Felicia could still hit the state as a tropical storm or depression and urged residents to be ready for downpours and winds.

They also said there's a possibility — though slim — that the storm could still be packing hurricane-force winds when it reaches the state.

"It's an extraordinarily strong system right now," said Richard Knabb, deputy director of the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. "The good news is that it's not going to be that strong when it gets to us. But that should not cause us to let our guard down. Even as it weakens ... it could still be a big rain-maker."

The state could start feeling Felicia's effects by late Sunday, though forecasters say heavy rains and strong winds might not arrive until Monday or Tuesday, depending on how fast Felicia is traveling. Last night, the storm was moving west-northwest at about 10 mph.

The forecast prompted emergency response officials to kick into high gear yesterday, sending out city crews to clear storm drains and streams and preparing to keep city and state emergency operations centers open over the weekend. John Cummings, spokesman for Honolulu's Department of Emergency Management, said officials aren't taking the storm lightly.

"We're preparing for a good soaking," Cummings said.

Hotels are also watching the storm closely and going over emergency plans with their workers. Marsha Wienert, state tourism liaison, said hotels are so far not seeing cancellations. But a handful of people planning trips to Hawai'i have called to ask if they should still travel.

They are being informed of the latest weather information.

STOCKING UP

Stores across the state were busy yesterday as people stocked up on everything from bottled water and flashlights to sandbags. Big-box and hardware stores saw heavier-than-normal sales, and managers said they expect even longer lines this weekend.

On the Big Island, which is expected to feel Felicia's effects first, water and batteries were among the top sellers at KTA Hilo, said manager Richard Chinen.

But, he added, "we have an ample supply."

At WalMart on Ke'eaumoku Avenue yesterday, many shoppers were stocking up on bottled water, toilet paper and canned goods. Kailua resident Robin Blue came out of the store with some other last-minute supplies in case the storm hits, including dog food and "lots of fruit."

"I'm a little concerned" about the hurricane, she said, adding that she decided to get to the store yesterday for supplies because she expects stores to be swamped by shoppers this weekend. "I know that last time (a storm hit) the store ran out" of supplies, she said.

Shopper Gail Ogata picked up rice and soda, along with a few other things. She said the rest of her emergency kit is already stocked — and it's been that way since the islandwide blackout in December.

"We're ready," Ogata said. "I'm always prepared."

EXPECTED TO WEAKEN

At 11 p.m. yesterday, Felicia was about 1,365 miles east of Hilo, with maximum sustained winds near 115 mph. That was down from 135 mph earlier yesterday, when it was a Category 4 hurricane. Forecasters expect the storm to gradually weaken as it moves toward Hawai'i.

The storm is expected to cross into the central Pacific sometime today or early tomorrow.

It will be the second named storm in the central Pacific this hurricane season, and is the strongest hurricane seen in the eastern Pacific since Hurricane Daniel in 2006.

Knabb stressed that the storm's track is still uncertain, since it's several days out, so he urged people to be prepared for anything.

"The entire state is at risk," Knabb said yesterday. "It could go right over the Islands, it could go a little north, it could go a little south."

To get better information on the strength and track of the storm, the Air Force Reserve plans to send its hurricane-hunting C-130 into the storm tomorrow morning, while the National Weather Service will use a smaller aircraft to drop instrumentation near Felicia starting tonight.

TOURISTS CALM

Yesterday, emergency responders statewide held several conference calls with the National Weather Service to get the latest track on the storm and prepare their response.

Ray Lovell, spokesman for state Civil Defense, said the agency is coordinating with state departments to be ready if the storm causes damage and is also working with the city and with federal agencies.

"We're looking at what ... to do if it gets worse," he said.

He added that the storm is a good reminder of why emergency kits are needed.

"Even if this one falls apart, we're still in the middle of hurricane season," Lovell said.

Though so far visitors aren't canceling trips to the Islands because of Felicia, the storm could still prove to be another hit to the ailing tourism industry. Yesterday, Waikiki hotels said they were bracing for cancellations, and also were going over emergency plans.

"We can never take a chance on this," said Jerry Gibson, Hilton's area vice president for Hawai'i. He added that the Hilton Hawaiian Village is almost at capacity this weekend and has not gotten any calls to its switchboard so far from people asking whether they should cancel.

Gibson attributed the high occupancy to good deals. We're really, really fortunate that that's working," he said.

David Lewin, general manager of the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa, said he has also been going over emergency plans with hotel workers and topping off supplies.

"We're always prepared," he said, adding that he's had no cancellations. "We've got extra everything."