4 PM: No Highway Damage From Collapse Event

Lava trees, shown here in a fissure 8 flow, are formed when lava inundates a forested area and surrounds the tree trunks. Lava cools against the trunk, forming a column of rock and eventually burning the tree. As the lava flow deflates, the rock surrounding the trunk is left standing above the flow surface, forming a “lava tree” and showing the high-stand of lava that flowed through the area. PC: USGS

This news story will be updated throughout the day as new information becomes available and new articles will be added to the website’s “News” section. Previous information about ongoing events can be found in Big Island Now’s “Volcano Blog” section.

KĪLAUEA SUMMIT LIVESTREAM LINK from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory tower viewed toward the east-southeast.

KĪLAUEA SUMMIT LIVESTREAM LINK from the Northeast Caldera Rim viewed toward the south.

CLICK HERE FOR INTERACTIVE LAVA MAP FOR AUG. 2, 2018

Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018, 4 p.m.: No Highway Damage From Collapse Event

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that earthquakes continue at Kīlauea summit.

An aerial view of Kīlauea Volcano’s summit taken on August 1. A section of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s Crater Rim Drive and the road leading to the Kīlauea Overlook parking area are visible at lower right. HVO, Jaggar Museum, and the museum parking area are visible at far middle right. Click to enlarge. PC: USGS

At 11:55 a collapse event occurred at Halemaumau crater but no damage was reported on Highway 11. Fissure 8 continues to erupt lava into the perched channel, sending flows to the ocean at Ahalanui and creating a large laze plume. This afternoon, a spillover on the north side of the upper channel caused a brush fire in an undeveloped area. The margin of the flow at the ocean entry has not advanced and remains approximately 500 feet from the Pohoiki boat ramp.

Motorists on Highway 11 between the 28 and 32 mile marker are advised to stay on the pavement, be alert for changing roadway conditions, and drive with caution. Motorcyclists and bicyclists should proceed with extreme caution.

The following guidelines remain in effect:

• Check all utility connections of water, gas, and electricity for potential damage from earthquake activity.
• Do not access the active flow field due to extreme hazard. Be aware that channel overflows and other breakouts are possible on the active flow field.
• The ocean entry continues to produce a laze plume. Take precautions and stay out of the plume to avoid exposure to hydrochloric acid and glass particles, which can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs.

Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018, 12:45 p.m.: Informational Meeting to Be Broadcast

Tonight’s informational meeting regarding the county’s emergency preparedness planning for the Volcano area will be broadcast on Nā Leo TV http://naleo.tv/channel-55/ .

Tune in for the meeting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, August 2.

Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018, 12:15 p.m.: No Tsunami From Collapse Event

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports a collapse event has occurred at Halema`uma`u crater at 11:57 a.m. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reports its energy equal to a 5.4 magnitude earthquake.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reports there is no tsunami threat to the island of Hawai`i.

ITS PRELIMINARY PARAMETERS ARE

ORIGIN TIME – 1155 AM HST 02 AUG 2018
COORDINATES – 19.4 NORTH 155.3 WEST
LOCATION – IN THE SUMMIT REGION OF KILAUEA VOLCANO
MAGNITUDE – 5.4

Due to the volcanic activity, the following is provided for your awareness:

• Residents in the area affected by earthquakes are advised to monitor utility connections of gas, electricity, and water after earthquakes.
• Be on the lookout for road cracks while driving.
• If ash is observed, stay indoors or seek cover.

Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018, 6 a.m.: No Significant Changes Overnight

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports earthquakes continue at the Kīlauea Summit.

Fissure 8 continues to erupt sending lava flows into the ocean at Ahalanui, creating a large laze plume.

State Highways reports no new cracks on Highway 11, but request motorists stay on the pavement and be alert for changes in roadway conditions between mile markers 28 and 32.

The following guidelines remain in effect:

• Check all utility connections of water, gas, and electricity for potential damage from earthquake activity.
• Do not access the active flow field due to the extreme hazard of overflows and other breakouts.
• The ocean entry continues to produce a “laze” plume. Stay out of the plume to avoid exposure to hydrochloric acid and glass particles, which can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs.
• Disaster assistance is available islandwide to individuals and businesses in Hawaii County that have been affected by the Kīlauea eruption.

The Disaster Recovery Center is open Monday to Friday at the Pāhoa Community Center. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

Access placards are available at the Civil Defense office located at 920 Ululani St. in Hilo.

There will be an eruption information meeting in Volcano Village tonight at Cooper Center at 5:30 p.m. regarding emergency preparations.