Tropical storm watch posted for Big Island as Niala nears

A tropical storm watch has been issued for the Big Island as Tropical Storm Niala nears the state.

The watch was posted at 11 a.m. Friday, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center and National Weather Service.

A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.

As of 11 a.m. Friday, Niala was located 415 miles southeast of Hilo, circulating 45 mph winds and tracking northwest at 7 mph.