Hurricane Hector: SHOCK graph shows storm could hit Kilauea top stories direct to your inbox SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up to receive our rundown of the day'sdirect to your inbox When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Kilauea volcano in Hawaii is still spewing lava from its fiery depths as hot red rivers burn across Big Island. With a new eruption phase having set in during May, Kilauea continues to rage on and has formed an outcrop of new land one kilometre long. The Pacific islands are now under threat from encroaching hurricane Hector which is spinning with 135 mph winds just 2,000 miles away. The US-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Hurricane Centre (NHC) are closely monitoring the storm, while the United States Geological Survey (USGS) monitors Kilauea. Where is the Kilauea volcano? Big Island's most active resident volcano sits in the south east of the island, where it is flooding the beach of Kapoho Bay. Well established channels of lava flowing into the ocean triggered worries recently as overflows began to push lava in new directions. As the volcano has progressed in recent months, thousands of people and hundreds of properties have been destroyed. There are fears that Hurricane Hector making landfall could further provoke the volcano, and hurricane force winds could be on track for a collision. Hurricane Hector landfall: Will Hector hit the Hawaii volcano? Will Hurricane Hector make landfall on Big Island? At the moment, Hurricane Hector is positioned near the Pacific Ocean, about 2,190 kilometres (1,360 miles) from Hawaii’s south point. The hurricane will continue to surge forwards towards Big Island, where it is likely the full force will batter the area. Kilauea is located around this part of the island, and will at least see some significant storms as a result. Hawaii's Kilauea volcano is right near the track of Hurricane Hector The possible impact of the hurricane on the volcano itself is up for debate, however, as scientists are at odds over the potential impact. Some researchers believe low pressure coming from hurricanes could have a knock-on effect for nearby volcanoes. Kilauea’s summit has recently seen some seismic activity which has resulted in some rim collapses. Hurricane force winds could prompt further cave-ins, as the summit at Kilauea remains unpredictable. Despite calming, the volcano is vulnerable to extraneous knock-on effects<doc-sep>Hurricane Hector: SHOCK graph shows storm could hit Kilauea top stories direct to your inbox SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up to receive our rundown of the day'sdirect to your inbox When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Hurricane Hector is currently about 1,130 miles (1,820km) east of South Point, Hawaii, and is forecast to cross into the central Pacific today. Some predictions suggest the storm could be on a potentially deadly collision course with the Kilauea volcano on the southern part of Big Island. The region is already facing chaos thanks to lava flows, which have been spewing from vents on the volcano's eastern flank since May 3. The National Hurricane Centre (NHC) said Hurricane Hector is recording sustained winds of 140mph, which are capable of causing devastating damage to populated areas. Hector is expected to pick up speed from its 14 mph westward crawl into the central Pacific on Monday. But the NHC also forecasts gradual weakening on Monday night through to Wednesday. It was currently not clear if Hurricane Hector would hit or just brush by the southern edge of the Big Island, said a meteorologist at the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center in College Park Maryland. But weather maps from the NOAA suggest a direct hit is a strong possibility. Here is the latest news and live updates on the Kilaeau volcano and Hurricane Hector's path and tracking. All times in BST. 7.47pm update: Why are there so many threats over the Hawaiian Islands? Warmer-than-average water temperatures over the tropical Pacific could result in more threats than average for the Hawaiian Islands this autumn. This is due to El Nino, a routine climate pattern that occurs when sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean rise to above-normal levels for an extended period of time. These warm and cool phases are part of a climate pattern that occurs across this section of the Pacific, also known as the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). There are around five tropical systems per year over the central Pacific basin. Hurricane Hector live: A map shows Hector's track 6.55pm update: Will the Kilauea volcano's activity worsen due to Hector? AccuWeather meteorologist Jim Andrews does not believe there will be anymore hazards to the region where Kilauea sits due to Hector. "While showers can be enhanced at midweek as the hurricane passes by to the south, the risk of acid rain being produced as the downpours hit the steaming lava would seem to be low," he said. Hector’s winds will also blow vog and laze toward the southern tip of the island and then out to sea. By the time the weekend comes around, Hector’s impacts on Hawaii are expected to be over. 6.15pm update: The wind is set to change Residents and tourists in Hawaii are being warned that there could be a change in the weather by midweek, particualry around coastal areas. "Hector is expected to pass far enough to the south so that no important wind issues are expected to impact the Big Island," according to AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski. "However, very rough surf is expected to impact mostly south- and east-facing coastal areas of the Big Island," Kottlowski said. "There will also be an increase in surf over the rest of the Hawaiian Islands during Wednesday through Friday." 4.09pm update: Where is Hector heading? Accuweather has relased a map showing Hector's expected path over the Pacific Ocean, south of Hawaii, this week. Meteorologists have noticed the waters surrounding Hawaii are currently warmer than normal. Hurricanes that track in from the east usually hit cooler waters near Hawaii, so they weaken before reaching the islands. The most destructive hurricanes to hit Hawaii, such as Iniki in 1992, have typically approached the islands from the south. Hurricane Hector update: The hurricane will pass Hawaii this week 3.06pm update: Spaghetti models and charts show Hurricane Hector passing within a hairsbreadth of Hawaii’s Big Island A CNN weather presenter said: “Two things to watch with this forecast here. One, the system will be weakening here as it moves towards the west, right so we are going down categories as opposed to the other way around. “And also the cone is just to the south of Big Island. “The problem with that is that forecast errors are huge by the time we get into Wednesday, if that cone shifts a little bit to the north, we could be seeing some direct impacts from Hector which will still be a hurricane by then but just not as strong. “By the way the rainfall associated with it could mix in with the volcano, because thats exactly where it is. It could have some interaction with that and that also is not going to be good, so watch that closely, you’ve got plenty of time to do so." 2.56pm update: Two more tropical storms have formed off Mexico Two tropical storms formed in the Pacific Ocean off southwestern Mexico, adding to the Pacific threat. However, neither posed any immediate threat to land as they took tracks predicted to move parallel to the coast. The National Hurricane Centre said Tropical Storm John was expected to strengthen rapidly and become a hurricane by Monday night or Tuesday. Tropical Storm Ileana, however, was trailing John to the southeast but wasn't forecast to reach hurricane force. Hurricane Hector update: The storm is heading towards Hawaii as a Cat 4 2.35pm update: Hector is picking up speed on route to Hawaii The latest NHC discussion notes read: "Hector has continued to track westward and has picked up a little speed since the previous advisory. "The initial motion of Hector is set at 280/13 kt.<doc-sep>Hurricane Hector threatens to hit south island of Hawaii top stories direct to your inbox SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up to receive our rundown of the day'sdirect to your inbox When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Hurricane Hector continues to churn across the Pacific toward Hawaii, with forecasters predicting the storm would skirt past the southern coast of the Big Island on Wednesday. Hawaii is on alert as meteorologists fear Hurricane Hector could suddenly strengthen and affect the islands already reeling from the Kilauea volcano eruption. At the moment Hurricane Hector is expected to pass approximately 150 miles south of Hawaii’s Big Island on Wednesday. Hector is still set to remain a major hurricane in the Pacific Ocean early this week and this morning remains a powerful Category 3 hurricane. With winds of 125 mph, it is just shy of Category 4 intensity, which begins when sustained wind speeds reach 130 mph. Tina Neal, chief scientist at USGS, said the storm would have no effect on the volcano - except for the possibility of large steam clouds producing "white-out" conditions in areas where heavy rain falls on top of molten lava that has yet to thoroughly cool. Here is the latest news and live updates on Hurricane Hector's path and tracking. 6.40am update: Hurricane Hector lingers near Hawaii Hurricane Hector is lingering near Hawaii to the South. It will continue its journey across the Central Pacific for around 5-7 days - some experts have said it could turn into a typhoon as it makes its way across the Pacific towards Japan. 12.15pm update: Hurricane Hector to pass within 270 miles of Honolulu Hurricane Hector is predicted to pass about 270 miles south of Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii. Once it passes the island it will continue on towards the North-West. 11.00pm update: Authorities continue to monitor Hurricane Harvey Hurricane Harvey is still a Category 3, but is passing too far south of Hawaii island to have a major impact. There are no warnings currently in place for Hawaii, though authorities continue to monitor the storm. James Bickerton takes over live reporting from Georgina Laud. Hurricane Hector making its way across the Pacific 10.30pm update: The 11am update from NOAA places Hector 220 miles from Big Island At 11.00 am HST (10.00pm BST), the NOAA reports the centre of Hurricane Hector was located near latitude 16.5 North, longitude 155.3 West. Hector is continuing to move toward the west at 16 mph (26 km/h) and this general motion is expected to continue through Thursday, with a gradual turn toward the northwest expected Friday and Saturday. Maximum sustained winds are near 115 mph (185 km/h) with higher gusts. 9.00pm update: Hawaii have cancelled their Tropical Storm Alert The Tropical Storm Warning for Hawaii County has been discontinued according to the NOAA. 8.26pm update: NOAA have issued an 8am update on Hurricane Hector At 8.00am HST (7.00pm BST) the NOAA said in their advisory that "the eye of Hurricane Hector was located by aircraft and radar near latitude 16.5 North, longitude 154.5 West. "Hector is moving toward the west near 15 mph (24 km/h), and this motion is expected to continue into Friday. "On the forecast track, the center of Hector will pass about 150 miles south of the Big Island this afternoon, and about 300 miles south of Oahu tonight. "Remember, the effects of a hurricane are far-reaching and can extend well away from the center." 6.24pm update: NOAA issue their 5am update on Hector's position and trajectory At 5.00 am local time, NOOA recorded Hector as moving toward the west "near 16 mph (26 km/h), and this motion is expected to continue through Thursday night." Currently "maximum sustained winds are near 125 mph (205 km/h) with higher gusts. Hector is still "a category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale." 5.27pm update: To Recap Hurricane Hector is now classified as a category 3 hurricane - but is still a strong hurricane Hector's path is westwards, moving at 16mph Maximum sustained winds have been measured at 12mph Weather warnings are in place for Big Island, as increased winds, rain and surf may bring danger to residents. Hector was 265 miles southeast of Big Island at 2am local time. A handout from NOAA showing Hector's path across the Pacific Ocean 4.30pm update: Advisory from NOAA - 2am local time update As of 2am local time, Hector was 265 miles south-east of Hilo on Hawaii’s Big Island. The hurricane’s movement was westwards as of the most recent update, moving at 16 mph. The NOAA’s latest update said: “Hector is moving toward the west near 16 mph (26 km/h), and this same general motion is expected to continue through Thursday evening.” Maximum sustained winds have reached 125mph, meaning that Hector is currently measuring as a category three hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. The NOAA have measured: “Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 40 miles (65 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 115 miles (185 km).” Georgina Laud takes over live reporting from James Bickerton 7.56am update: NWS weather forecast The National Weather Service Honolulu has issued this weather forecast: “Hurricane Hector will be passing by south of the Big Island on Wednesday, and will bring an increase in winds and rain to windward and southeastern portions of the Big Island. Any impacts from Hector will be highly dependent on its track and intensity. Hector will exit the region by Friday, with typical summertime trade wind weather pattern expected this weekend.” 7.43am update: Hurricane Hector will pass south of Hawaii on Wednesday The National Weather Service has said Hurricane Hector will brush the Big Island on Wednesday. A tropical storm warning has been issued for the Big Island as the storm travels westwards, it is now classified as a strong Category 4 storm.<doc-sep>At a Glance Hector passed well south of the Big Island of Hawaii. Dangerous surf and rip currents will be the main threat on the island beaches. Hurricane Hector passed well south of the Big Island of Hawaii with only some peripheral effects expected in the islands. The tropical storm warning that was in effect for the Big Island has been discontinued. Building subtropical high pressure north of Hector will keep the hurricane on a generally westward course the next several days. This kept Hector's eyewall with its strongest winds and heaviest rain well south of Hawaii. Hector's intensity has ticked down since Monday, possibly due to the presence of dry air in the environment surrounding Hector, or somewhat marginal ocean heat content. Advertisement On Monday, Hector's maximum sustained winds peaked at an estimated 155 mph, just shy of Category 5 intensity, making it the strongest central Pacific hurricane since Ioke in 2006, according to Colorado State University tropical scientist Dr. Phil Klotzbach. (MORE: Hector Could Become a Typhoon Next Week) Deep tropical moisture behind Hector may produce locally heavy rain across the Hawaiian Islands into Friday. Some local flash flooding is possible in a few spots, particularly along east-, south- or southeastward-facing slopes of the Big Island. Breezy conditions and high surf were also observed. (MORE: Hector Won't Be the First Tropical Cyclone to Pass Near Hawaii's Erupting Kilauea Volcano)<doc-sep>
Hurricane Hector threatens to hit south island of Hawaii Hawaii is under threat from category 4 Hurricane Hector, which now verges on a direct course for the Pacific island chain. As Hector negotiates its way towards Hawaii, the hurricane is recording a pick-up in strength - which could see all three main islands hit by an offshoot of the storm. The storm has bounced around the Saffir-Simspon hurricane rankings, spending time as both a category 4 and 3. Regardless of the category Hector decides to settle on, a direct hit on Hawaii will cause serious damage and potential loss of life. The latest hurricane graphs coming from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) US-based National Hurricane Centre are showing a grim outlook for Hawaii. While the storm has been able to develop on its own just outside of the Pacific, as it runs inward the area of high wind will cover Hawaii. The strongest portion of the storm is predicted to sweep the southernmost end of Big Island, the largest Hawaiian landmass. On Big Island, there is a 30 to 40 percent possibility that tropical storm force winds will brush by. Hawaii Hurricane Hector path map: Hector to make direct hit on Hawaii The other Hawaiian islands will not escape the embrace of Hector, but they are less likely to undergo the same aggressive winds as Big Island. On Hawaiian tourist hotspot Honolulu, there is a five percent chance of tropical winds but as the storm hits on Wednesday, weather will take a miserable turn. Maui, which sits just behind Big Island, will likely receive offshoot of the main storm front, with a 10 percent chance of receiving Hector’s full brunt. The hurricane will arrive on Maui on August 8, the same day as Big Island, and will bring with it thunderstorms and heavy rain for the next three days. Hurricane Hector's route towards Hawaii Are there precautions in place for Hurricane Hector? The looming threat of Hector has prompted fears in government officials that there could be severe weather on the horizon. With the hurricane in mind, authorities in Honolulu have urged the public to prepare for the worst. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has advised residents to begin preparations for dangerous conditions with a 14-day hurricane kit. Preparations are already underway for an impact from Hector Hawaii volcano eruption: Epic aerial pictures show Kilauea destruction Tue, July 17, 2018 A 'lava bomb' shot fired from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano has hit a tour boat, injuring at least 23 Play slideshow AFP/Getty Images 1 of 10 A luminous yellow streak is visible in the darkness of dawn