Update: Mauna Loa Eruption Day 3: HVO reports leading edge of lava flow still more than 3 miles from Saddle Road

Update [5:47 p.m.]: Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports two active lava flows on the Mauna Loa’s northeast flank. The leading edge of the flow closest to Daniel K. Inouye Highway is around the 7,000 foot elevation and more than 3 miles from the highway.

For a map of the lava flow, refer to the Civil Defense Hazard Impact Map.

Daniel K. Inouye Highway is open in both directions. Vehicle parking along the highway, however, is unsafe and prohibited.

Hawaii Police Department reports that motorists who park along Daniel K. Inouye Highway between the 16- and 31-mile markers will be subject to traffic citation and vehicles will be towed.

Update [8: 10 a.m.]: Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports the leading edge of the lava flow on Mauna Loa’s northeast flank is above 7,000 foot elevation and more than 3 miles from Daniel K. Inouye Highway.

Daniel K. Inouye Highway is open in both directions.

Vehicle parking along Daniel K. Inouye Highway is unsafe and prohibited.

Hawai’i Police Department reports that motorists that park along Daniel K. Inouye Highway between the 16 and 31 Mile Markers will be subject to traffic citation and vehicles will be towed.

Original post: At approximately 11 p.m. Tuesday, the leading edge of the Mauna Loa lava flow crossed Old Kona Highway, a dirt road that crosses the Mauna Loa Forest Reserve, according to the Hawai’i State Department of Land and Natural Resources.