June 27 Lava Flow Update – 12/3/14

Hawai’i County Civil Defense’s Wednesday morning assessment shows that the new flow front continues to advance and widen.

Currently, the active flow front is about 2.5 miles upslope from the intersection of Highway 130 and Pahoa Village Road with an advancement rate of about 420 yards since Tuesday.

Activity with the flow does not pose a threat to communities in the area at this time. However, Civil Defense and Hawaiian Volcano Observatory personnel will continue to keep close observation and inform resident’s downslope should things change.

According to HVO, a brief period of inflation occurred at the summit on Dec. 2, quickly followed by deflation at 3 a.m. the next day, which continues.

Moderate to heavy smoke conditions were reported Wednesday morning in the immediate area and down through Kaohe, Leilani, Nanawale and other lower Puna areas that are located southeast of the flow.

HVO noted in their Wednesday morning release that the flow front is currently about 547 yards from a point where several lines of steepest descent nearly come together due to flat topography, until the flow passes this point it is uncertain where the future of the flow path might lead.

Smoke conditions have the possibility of increasing in some areas, and Civil Defense advises that residents who have a history of respiratory issues should take precautions and remain indoors.

Pahoa Village Road remains open to all traffic. Motorists are advised to be cautious as some utility pole protection material remains in place.

Additionally, Civil Defense asks the public to respect the privacy of residents in the area who were affected by the lava flow and not to trespass on private property.