Its classification keeps changing, but the threat Kilo poses for Hawaii remains unchanged, according to weather forecasters.

Kilo became a tropical storm early Friday, prompting Gov. David Ige to sign an emergency proclamation making the state’s Major Disaster Fund available for disaster relief should the approaching storm make landfall in Hawaii.

By early Friday evening Kilo had weakened to a tropical depression. However, forecasters at the Central Pacific Hurricane Center still expect it to reach hurricane force by the time it makes a predicted northward turn toward the state Monday.

The center warns that Kauai and Niihau could be at risk for a direct hit or close pass Wednesday.

Surf was expected to rise on south shores this weekend and west shores next week as Kilo initially passes south of the islands and turns north. Winds will turn southeasterly this weekend as Kilo moves closer to the main Hawaiian Islands.

At 11 p.m., Kilo was about 450 miles south-southwest of Hilo and 560 miles south of Honolulu, moving west at 16 mph. Maximum sustained winds were 35 mph with higher gusts. Officials anticipate gradual strengthening over the weekend.

"There is a possibility for tropical storm conditions to develop on Niihau, Kauai and Oahu in the Monday night to Tuesday time frame," forecasters said. "In addition to the wind threat, rain bands and embedded thunderstorms extending well to the east of the track of the system may affect the islands."

Robert Ballard, a meteorologist with the Honolulu office of the National Weather Service, said the shift in the winds this weekend will bring moisture from the south over the main Hawaiian Islands and an increased chance of afternoon showers because of the moisture.

The western islands could also see some vog, along with increased humidity, Ballard said.

"There could be a chance of some heavy rainfall starting during the weekend and into next week when we get into the periphery of Kilo," Ballard said. "The moisture surrounding Kilo will reach us first."

The National Weather Service predicts another day of tradewind weather Saturday due to a high-pressure system over the far northeast Pacific.

Hawaii island and Maui could experience heavy showers or thundershowers starting late Saturday as a large area of moisture to the east of Kilo is drawn upward across the island chain.

A flash-flood watch for Maui and Hawaii island will be in effect from 6 p.m. Saturday until 6 p.m. Monday. The watch could be extended depending on Kilo’s progress.

Meanwhile, a small-craft advisory is in effect for Maalea Bay, Pailolo Channel, Alenuihaha Channel and the leeward and southeast waters of Hawaii island through 6 a.m. Sunday. East winds of up to 25 knots with higher gusts and rough seas of 9 to 12 feet are expected.

Track forecast

Kilo has been following a ridge of high pressure which has steered it in a west-northwesterly direction.

Following its current path, Kilo will hit a weakness in the ridge that is expected to steer it sharply to the north and then back to the northeast near or over the islands.

Forecasters caution that there is a large margin of error of 300 miles in forecast tracks five days away from a potential landfall. Kilo could still shift east toward other islands or west away from the main islands by next week.

"This track forecast is going to change with time," Ballard said. "Don’t get locked in to any one forecast. Be prepared for the worst and hope for the best."

Emergency officials said it’s best for residents to be prepared and have hurricane kits ready and to monitor forecasts for changes in the track of the storm.

"We strongly encourage the public to take advantage of the weekend to prepare their homes and families as this aggressively active hurricane season continues," said Doug Mayne, administrator of Emergency Management for the state.

Hurricane hunter planes are on their way back to Hawaii and should make their first pass through the storm Friday night.

Forecast models differ on when that northward turn will happen and how sharp it will be. If it happens sooner than expected, it could put the storm on a path to the other Hawaiian Islands. If it doesn’t happen, or if the storm turns later than expected, its path could move west of the islands.

The southerly path also keeps Kilo in warmer waters and away from wind shear brought on by the subtropical jet stream. That means Kilo has a greater chance of intensifying before it moves into cooler waters and areas with more wind shear.

Its path is unusual but not unprecedented, Ballard said.

Most tropical cyclones pass south of the islands on a westward path and stay south. However, other storms have turned north and swung back to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. In 1992 Hurricane Iniki approached from the southeast and took a northerly turn for a direct hit on Kauai.

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center is also tracking the movement of tropical storm Loke, which is moving northward far west of the main Hawaiian Islands.

As of 5 p.m. Friday the storm was about 520 miles west of Johnston Atoll and 795 miles south of Midway island, moving north-northwest at 5 mph.

Loke, which recorded maximum sustained winds of 45 mph Friday evening, is expected to gain speed over the next several days as it intensifies.