The National Weather Service issued a tropical storm watch for Hawaii’s Big Island still contending with lava flows from Kilauea volcano.
Storm Hector is expected to pass south of the Big Island and could potentially create ‘white-out conditions’ if heavy rains come into contact with lava flows.
Water drenching lava produces thick steam which can contain sulfur dioxide, said National Weather Service meteorologist Melissa Dye.
A tropical storm watch is in effect for waters just south of the Big Island for late Tuesday and Wednesday.
Coastal communities were warned it could result in high surf on the Big Island and parts of Maui.
It comes after the rate of lava discharge has suddenly waned from Kilauea.
"Basically the system appears to have almost shut down completely over the course of a couple of days," said Tina Neal of the US Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
Scientists are not exactly sure why this is happening.
"It is common for eruptions to wax and wane or pause completely. A return to high levels of lava or new outbreaks in the area of active fissures could occur at any time."
