June 27 Lava Flow Update – 12/22/14

The June 27 lava flow continues to advance at a slowed pace in an east-northeast direction. Hawai’i County Civil Defense observed the widening of the flow front during its Monday morning overflight.

Currently, the flow is about 0.6 miles upslope from the Highway 130 and Pahoa Village Road intersection, in the vicinity of the Pahoa Marketplace. Since 6:30 a.m. Sunday morning, the flow has advanced 70 yards, the slowest movement this branch has moved in recent weeks.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory noted Monday morning that should the active flow continue to advance in its current descent path, the flow will be taken to the Pahoa Marketplace.

As of Saturday, HVO’s ground crew noted that the flow front has widened to about 110 yards and was moving sluggishly through rough and hazardous terrain.

Activity in the area does not currently pose an immediate threat to communities in the area, however, Civil Defense, along with HVO personnel, continue to monitor activity closely and will inform the public should things change.

Businesses in the Pahoa Marketplace continue to take steps to prepare for a possible evacuation. Motorists driving in the area are advised to use caution and expect the possibility of traffic delays.

Civil Defense reported moderate to heavy smoke conditions Monday morning as a light northwest wind is blowing smoke and vog in a south-southeast direction through Pahoa and lower Puna areas. As usual, these smoke conditions have the possibility of increasing and individuals who are sensitive or have respiratory issues are advised to take necessary precautions and remain indoors.

Railroad Avenue was opened over the weekend as an alternative access route. Opening of the road is to allow motorists to familiarize themselves with the road and traffic flow.

Highway 130 continues to remain open, and at this time, there is no anticipated road closure.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense Lava Flow Map as of Dec. 22 at 7 a.m. Civil Defense image.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense Lava Flow Map as of  Dec. 22 at 7 a.m. Civil Defense image.

This photo is from the Hawai’i County Civil Defense, Dec. 22 overflight. Civil Defense photo.

Satellite image shows distribution of active breakouts on June 27th lava flow as of Dec. 21. HVO photo.

Overflight view of the June 27 lava flow on Dec. 19. Photo credit: Extreme Exposure/ Paradise Helicopters.

Overflight view of the June 27 lava flow on Dec. 19. Photo credit: Extreme Exposure/ Paradise Helicopters.

Overflight view of the June 27 lava flow on Dec. 19. Photo credit: Extreme Exposure/ Paradise Helicopters.

Overflight view of the June 27 lava flow on Dec. 19. Photo credit: Extreme Exposure/ Paradise Helicopters.

Overflight view of the June 27 lava flow on Dec. 19. Photo credit: Extreme Exposure/ Paradise Helicopters.