ONLINE ONLY: Tropical Storm Boris forms far east-southeast of Big Island

Forecasters say Tropical Storm Boris, which formed Thursday afternoon far east-southeast of the Big Island, is expected to sputter out during the weekend.

Boris was packing 40 mph winds and tracking west-northwest at 9 mph about 1,280 miles east-southeast of Hilo as of Thursday evening, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. The center will monitor the system until it crosses into the Central Pacific, at which point Honolulu-based Central Pacific Hurricane Center forecasters will assume responsibility.

Little change in strength was forecast Thursday night. However, forecasters expect Boris will be downgraded to a depression by tonight as it crosses into the Central Pacific.