UPDATE: 11 p.m.

Hurricane Hector has entered the Central Pacific as a powerful Category 4 hurricane.

Hector, with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph and higher gusts, was centered about 1,010 miles east-southeast of Hilo and 1,215 miles east-southeast of Honolulu at 11 p.m. Sunday.

Hurricane-force winds extend up to 35 miles from the storm’s center and tropical-storm-force winds of 39 mph or more extend up to 105 miles.

The storm’s five-day forecast has Hector passing south of the Hawaiian islands as a weaker hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph, by midweek.

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center in Honolulu said “a motion toward the west-northwest at an increased forward speed is expected through Tuesday, followed by a westward motion Tuesday night through Friday.”

Some fluctuations in intensity are expected tonight and Monday, followed by gradual weakening Monday night through Wednesday.

Despite the projected weakening of Hector, forecasters with the hurricane center advise the public to not be complacent.

“While the official forecast track continues to lie to the south of the Hawaiian islands, only a slight deviation to the north of the forecast track would significantly increase potential impacts to the state of Hawaii,” forecasters said late Sunday. “Now is a good time for everyone in the Hawaiian islands to ensure that they have their hurricane plan in place.”

5 p.m.

The National Hurricane Center predicts Hurricane Hector will cross into the central Pacific basin later this evening.

Hurricane Hector is now about 1,130 miles east-southeast of the Big Island’s South Point and continues moving west near 14 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The category 4 hurricane is packing maximum sustained winds of 140 mph with higher gusts but is expected to gradually weaken Monday night through Wednesday.

Hector is expected to move toward the west-northwest through Monday night, then shift toward the west Tuesday and Wednesday.

2 p.m.

Hurricane Hector is expected to cross into the central Pacific basin tonight. The National Hurricane Center said the category 4 hurricane is located about 1,170 miles east-southeast of South Point on Hawaii island.

Hector continued to strengthen today with winds at 140 mph and moving toward the west near 13 mph. Fluctuations in intensity are expected tonight and Monday. Gradual weakening is expected Monday night through Wednesday.

“This remains a good time for everyone in the Hawaiian Islands to ensure they have their hurricane plan in place,” the National Hurricane Center said.

11 a.m.

The National Weather Service reports Hurricane Hector has returned to Category 4 status and picked up speed slightly over the past six hours.

As of 11 a.m., the storm’s center is located approximately 1,026 miles east of Hilo and moving west at about 14 mph, with sustained winds near 130 mph.

Hector is expected to cross into the central Pacific basin tonight.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE

Hurricane Hector is once again a Category 3 hurricane as it continues westward across the Pacific Ocean toward the central Pacific basin.

As of 5 a.m. today, Hector is moving west at a rate of 12 mph with maximum sustained winds near 125 mph. The storm is now approximately 1,280 miles east of South Point on Hawaii island and is still expected to enter the central Pacific Basin within the next 24 hours.

According to the National Weather Service, Hector is not expected to gain much strength today, with slight weakening forecast from Monday night through Wednesday.

“Hector is our first hurricane this year,” said Tom Travis, administrator of Hawaii Emergency Management Agency in a statement. “We want to remind the public we are in the middle of the hurricane season and we urge people to take the weekend to prepare their homes and families for impacts that could be felt statewide.”

The National Hurricane Center recommends local residents ensure they have a hurricane plan in place. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency urges residents to prepare an emergency kit that includes food, water and other supplies to last a minimum of 14 days.

More tips:

>> Talk with family members and develop a clear understanding what you will do if a hurricane or tropical storm threatens. Prepare an action plan that includes details such as whether your family plans to shelter in place or evacuate.

>> Know if your home is in an inundation zone, flood zone, or susceptible to high winds and other hazards. Know if your home is retrofitted with hurricane resistant clips or straps.

>> Stay tuned to local media and their websites/applications regarding weather updates.

>> Sign up for local notification systems.

>> Get to know your neighbors and community so you can help each other.

>> Walk your property and check for potential flood threats. Clear your gutters and other drainage systems. Remove and secure loose items. Keep your car gas tanks filled.

>> Prepare your pets by checking or purchasing a carrier and other preparedness items. A pet carrier is necessary for your pet’s safety if you plan to evacuate to a pet-friendly shelter. Don’t forget 14 days of food and water for your furry family members.

>> Set aside an emergency supply of any needed medication and keep a copy of your prescriptions in case you run out of medication after a disaster.

>> Secure your important documents in protective containers.