New Front Formed in June 27 Kilauea Lava Flow

A narrow breakout has taken the leading role in the slow-moving June 27 Kilauea Volcano lava flow.

An overflight conducted by Hawai’i County Civil Defense on Sunday morning showed that the narrow “finger” breakout advanced approximately 60 yards in the past 24 hours and had became the leading edge of the lava flow.

The previous flow front is still active, but moved minimally between Saturday and Sunday morning.

The leading breakout flow is one of two that are near the front portion of the lava flow. Both, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, are moving to the northeast.

The lava continues to burn anything in direct contact with its path. Both Civil Defense and HVO agencies say that any vegetation that comes in contact with the flow is being burned. Smoke from the burning was deemed moderate to heavy and blowing toward the Kaohe Homesteads subdivision, thanks to light northwest winds.

No evacuations have been issued for area communities.