June 27 Lava Flow Weekend Update

After nearly three weeks of stalled advancement in downslope areas of the June 27 lava flow, a new breakout is advancing.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense has reported that 600 yards behind the original stalled flow front once headed towards the Pahoa MarketPlace, a small breakout along the south margin has advanced about 50 yards since Saturday morning.

This advancement marks the first downslope movement since Jan. 26, when the breakout heading towards the Pahoa Police and Fire stations stopped actively advancing.

In addition to the advancing breakout, Civil Defense said surface breakouts and other breakouts along north and south margins of the flow continue.

Civil Defense says that these breakouts “provide indication that the tube system continues to be supplied and lava from all sources in making its way to the down slope areas.”

Officials say that none of the current activity is posing an immediate threat to communities in the area and Civil Defense, along with Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, will continue to keep watch over the flow and inform the public of any changes in activity.

Light to moderate smoke conditions were reported following Civil Defense’s Sunday overflight assessment, as a light north wind was reportedly blowing smoke in a southeast direction. As usual, these conditions have the possibility of changing and those who are sensitive or have a history of respiratory issues should take necessary precautions.