Tropical Storm Neki forms far out in the Pacific south of Hawaii; expected to become hurricane

Tropical Storm Neki forms far out in the Pacific

HONOLULU — Forecasters say Tropical Storm Neki has formed far out in the Pacific Ocean.

Neki was swirling Monday afternoon about 825 miles south of Honolulu and about 830 miles southeast of Johnston Island.

Maximum winds were at about 40 mph, though Neki is expected to keep gaining strength and is forecast to be a hurricane by Tuesday. The storm was moving to the west-northwest at about 14 mph, but could shift toward the northwest later in the day.

It is expected to pass very close to tiny Johnston Island as a hurricane, possibly by Wednesday.