(BIVN) – As of 11 a.m on Thursday, Hurricane Norman was 295 miles east northeast of Hilo and moving northwest at 9 mph. On the forecast track, the Central Pacific Hurricane Center says Norman is expected to pass 200 to 300 miles to the northeast of the main Hawaiian Islands over the next couple of days.

Maximum sustained winds are near 110 mph (175 km/h) with higher gusts. Weakening is forecast during the next few days, forecasters say.

A High Surf Warning remains in effect for east facing shores of Hawaii Island. A large swell from Hurricane Norman will peak late today and gradually decline Friday, the National Weather Service says. Wave heights could reach 12 to 18 ft today.

All County beach parks on the north and east side of the island, from South Point to Upolu Point, are closed today. All permits and reservations for these parks have been cancelled, county officials say.

Forecasters say interests in the main Hawaiian Islands should monitor the progress of Norman over the next couple of days.