Residents and tourists on Hawaii were preparing Monday for Tropical Storm Flossie, which, though weakened, was expected to bring strong winds and rains, meteorologists said.

Flossie packed winds of 40 miles (65 kilometers) per hour on Monday morning, well below the 60 miles (100 kilometers) per hour recorded the night before, according to the latest Central Pacific Hurricane Center, based in the state capital, Honolulu.

The storm was expected to continue to weaken over the next 24 hours, but forecasters said the state's "Big Island," the hardest hit, would still see heavy rains that "could cause life-threatening flash floods and mud slides, especially in the mountains."

Meteorologists were also warning of dangerously high waves and strong winds.

Honolulu mayor Kirk Caldwell announced the opening of a dozen Red Cross refuge centers, and national parks were closed to the public. Several dozen flights were canceled.